Home appliances, once the dumb mainstays of customers', are becoming smarter, more effective and (dare we say it?) more elegant, and as such will make a showing at IFA 2014, organiser gfu says.
The appliances on show should come in all shapes and sizes, from staples such as refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers and washing machines to smaller devices such as coffee makers, kettles, toasters, and equipment for the care of hair, body, clothes, home and floors. All should combine quality materials and easy-to-use controls, while smart applications and networking capabilities are to play an "increasingly important" role.
Apps will provide customers with a variety of features, from product operation and status information to basic tips, reassurance and efficiency, all from smartphones and tablets.
Mobile devices can even serve as a central control panel for appliances able to communicate with each other.
Efficiency is another major trend-- refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers push on reduced power, water and detergent consumptions-- as is the adorning of traditional "white goods" with brightly colored finishes.
As for small appliances IFA 2014 should host some 3000 new products, from ever popular automated coffee makers, food processors, grills and body care devices including networked scales and health-tracking wearables.
Also making an appearance are increasingly efficient robot vacuum cleaners, as well as similar robots able to take care of floor wiping duties.