Will smart homes and AI appliances tempt consumers at Berlin tech show?

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Smart homes and AI-powered kitchen appliances were the hot topics at this year’s IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin. But do consumers want to spend their hard-earned money on the latest tech gadgets? The tech event didn’t officially open until September 6, but big brands had already given a sneak peek of what visitors would be able to see. German manufacturers were well represented. Miele showed off an app-connected vacuum cleaner that will alert you when it needs emptying. And Siemens went big on AI too—from artificially intelligent washing machines that detect water hardness and dispense detergent and fabric softener accordingly, to an oven that knows what food has been placed inside and can suggest the best way to cook it. “The push for AI in products is both driven by us as a brand, but also by consumer demand. Because just look at what happens around us. AI is everywhere. So people, of course, start asking, ‘How can it help me in my private life at home?’ Because at work we are quite used to it already, at least to a certain extent. But at home, it’s like you want to understand how AI can help you. And we as a brand are pushing, of course, technology forward. So, we use AI to enhance, let’s say, at the consumer experience in a way that really is helpful,” says Katja Wendel, Head of Marketing, Siemens Home Appliances, Central Europe. At Bosch, the buzzword is connectivity. Home appliances that connect to your phone and keep you updated on what they are doing with your clothes, your food, or your washing up. The big idea is to help consumers use their products better. “The megatrend of networking and connectivity will continue, in conjunction with efficiency and sustainability,” says Andreas Diepold, Managing Director, Home Appliances, Bosch. This was IFA’s 100th year, and over the century it cemented its position as one of the most important consumer electronic shows in the world. More than 1,800 exhibitors were at IFA this year, and the show was expected to welcome at least 182,000 visitors. IFA ran from 6-10 September in Berlin. This article was provided by The Associated Press.