IFA 2014: 8 of the top products

As the international electronics trade show winds down in Berlin, tech fans are already looking forward to the launch of new smartphones, smartwatches and various other connected devices over the coming months. Here we take a look at some of the most notable IFA announcements made by Samsung, Sony and others.

As the international electronics trade show winds down in Berlin, tech fans are already looking forward to the launch of new smartphones, smartwatches and various other connected devices over the coming months. Here we take a look at some of the most notable IFA announcements made by Samsung, Sony and others.

Samsung Galaxy Note Edge

In terms of product design, the Edge was without a doubt the most innovative smartphone at IFA 2014 thanks to its curving screen, which extends around the right-hand edge to offer an extra panel or info bar when the device is in standby mode, for example. The 5.6-inch Galaxy Note Edge will be available in select markets before the end of 2014.

Sony Xperia Z3 devices

The Japanese manufacturer took advantage of IFA to present its new Xperia Z3 range, which includes two smartphones (4.6-inch and 5.2-inch) and an 8-inch tablet. Slated to go on sale in October, the three new Android KitKat devices are NFC-compatible, water-resistant and dustproof. In Europe, the Xperia Z3 and Z3 Compact are expected to sell for €679 and €499 respectively, while the Z3 Tablet Compact is priced at €379.

Nokia Lumia 830

The Finnish brand, now a division of Microsoft, made the trip to Berlin to unveil the Lumia 830, a new mid-range Windows Phone 8.1 smartphone with a 5.1-inch screen. Designed in part for developing markets, the device offers all of the American software giant's expertise at a relatively affordable price. The Lumia 830 is slated to launch in Europe this October for around €350.

Samsung Galaxy Note 4

In one of the most anticipated announcements at IFA, the South Korean brand revealed the latest edition of its Galaxy Note phablet, which is equipped with a 5.7-inch QHD screen (2,560 x 1,440 pixels). The most surprising element of the presentation was the pairing of the Galaxy Note 4 with a virtual reality headset (the Gear VR, expected to sell for less than €200) and dedicated stylus pens designed by Montblanc (from €275 each). The phablet is due to launch in various markets this fall.

Asus ZenWatch

The computer maker's first item of wearable tech, dubbed the ZenWatch, places particular emphasis on health and well-being. Offering a relatively elegant and discreet design, the smartwatch is equipped with a heart-rate monitor and can be piloted from a smartphone or tablet. The ZenWatch is expected to go on sale before the end of 2014 for just under €200.

LG G Watch R

Officially unveiled by the South Korean brand at IFA, the G Watch R stands out for its circular 1.3-inch screen. The Android Wear smartwatch, which is waterproof for up to 30 minutes, can be configured to deliver notifications of incoming calls, texts, and upcoming appointments and to offer useful reports on the weather, for example. The device will go on sale this fall for around €300.

Sony SmartWatch 3

The third generation of Sony's wearable device has a 1.6-inch square screen with a resolution of 320x320 pixels. Like the brand's previous smartwatches, the device has a microphone, an accelerometer, an internal compass, a gyroscope and GPS sensors for the most accurate activity tracking possible. The model is slated to ship in October, priced at €229.

Dyson 360 Eye

Known for its groundbreaking and innovative products, the British manufacturer showed off the first working models of its robotic vacuum at IFA this year. Mounted on a set of continuous tracks and powered by a Dyson V2 motor, the 360 Eye can be controlled from any iOS or Android mobile device. The titular 360 Eye -- a swiveling camera capable of detecting objects on all sides within a range of 15cm -- is used to map rooms and thus better avoid obstacles. Although the battery life is limited to 30 minutes, the device rolls back to its charging station on its own when it needs to power up. The robotic vacuum is expected to go on sale in the US early next year, priced at $1,000.