It’s a bucket list item for a tech journalist slash tennis fan. So, when I heard the Acemate Tennis Robot was coming to the IFA tech show in Berlin, I was first in line (like, literally off the plane and on to the court).
It was surprisingly fun, and the bot easily kept up with me using its two 4K binocular cameras and omnidirectional wheels. But I didn’t enjoy its post-match critique quite as much.
It’s officially Day 1 of the IFA 2025 tech show, and I made a beeline for the Smart Home hall, where I’ll be checking out new products from Govee (like these fetching new pendant lights — coming soon), Aqara, Reolink, Aeotec, Shelly, and more.
Stay tuned to our IFA story stream for all the news.
Eve’s Tim Böth is on stage discussing how its smart home devices work with Samsung SmartThings via Matter. “Eve’s smart plugs capture energy efficiency data for SmartThings Energy, the motion sensors provide data to help SmartThings understand your daily routines,” he said. “Our products show how AI can fade into the background.”
So said Samsung EVP Cheolgi Kim, in a not-so-subtle jab at Apple as he wrapped up a 20-minute presentation around how Samsung’s AI Home platform is a layer over all of Samsung’s products. From its watches and phones to its health and sleep tracking features, as well as its Samsung Food and SmartThings smart home platform, AI Home is “designed to make everyday living more convenient, efficient, healthy and safe,” says Kim. I’m still not clear on exactly how any of this will work, though.
Do I smell AI?
Press day at IFA involves dodging speeding forklifts and navigating around ladders and construction boxes as we try and get a sneak peek at what the companies will be showing off as they set up their booths.
Here’s a few snaps from the smart home hall. Spot anything intriguing?
