JBL has a new soundbar with detachable rear speakers

Source: JBL

One of the new devices JBL launched at IFA 2022 is a quartet of new Atmos-capable soundbars. Two of these are battery-powered wireless rear speakers that you can detach for that surround sound theatre experience and dock back into the sides of the soundbars to recharge. This JBL Bar 1000 is an 11.1-channel performer with four upward-firing speakers for Dolby Atmos 3D sound. It also gets a wireless subwoofer and supports DTS:X 3D surround sound.

It's similar to 2020's JBL Bar 9.1, but this unit gets two more drivers for a 7.1.4 arrangement and increased power output from the Bar 9.1's 820W to 880W. The JBL Bar 1000 retails for US$1,149 (around CA$1,513 converted).

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LG shrinks its high-tech steam closet to accommodate sneakers

Source: LG

If you're a sneakerhead, you would probably do all you can to take care of your kicks. LG is hoping you'd consider its high-tech solution. The company launched a new Styler ShoeCase at IFA. Like its large-scale Styler, the Styler ShoeCase keeps your footwear safe from moisture. If you're the type who likes to display your collection, you can stack up to four of these on top of each other. It gets a turntable that can be rotated to show off your kicks at their best angle. 

Meanwhile, the LG Styler ShoeCare features LG's TrueSteam cleaning tech with Zeo-Dry filters that LG promises make the shoes "more pleasant to wear and to have around." It has "multiple Moving Nozzles" that are height adjustable and dries out your shoes four pairs at a time. It takes the Styler ShoeCase around 37 minutes and runs at a "quiet" 35 decibels. Of course, these devices are connected to the LG ThinQ smart app. LG plans to work with "various lifestyle brands" to bring new app features in the future. There is no pricing for either appliance yet.

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IFA 2022 will be an in-person event in September

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IFA 2022 will return as an in-person event this September 2 through 6 in Berlin. IFA was cancelled in 2021 due to COVID-19 uncertainty. But now, the show will be back, and we can expect updates in consumer electronics, home appliances, information technology, and telecommunications industries. The Berlin exhibition grounds are open for its first tradeshow with limited COVID-19 restrictions. As of April 1, 2022, visitors attending major events in Berlin won't need to present proof of testing or vaccination. This year, CES 2022 already went ahead with an in-person event, even though many brands dropped out amidst the omicron variant outbreak. If there aren't any major outbreaks in the coming months, we can assume the show will continue.

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IFA 2021 is cancelled

IFA's organizers no longer plan to hold the tech conference and trade show this year, citing uncertainties caused by the ongoing pandemic. Messe Berlin and gfu Consumer & Home Electronics GmbH announced the decision after discussing public health experts and multiple stakeholders. Some of the concerns raised include the rapid emergence of the new COVID-19 variants in South Asia and the continued uncertainties of the rollout of vaccination programs worldwide.

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