Over the past few weeks we've been running our usual load of group tests, between jetting off to launch events and tradeshows to cover all the latest home cinema launches.

As part of that, I have had the chance to take a look at some of 2025's biggest TV and projector launches. And in all the chaos, it has become apparent that projectors are evolving in a direction no one really expected: that is, to target next-generation gamers as well as movie fans.

And honestly, even as one of What Hi-Fi?'s team of cinephiles, I am all for it.

A lightbulb moment at IFA

It all started when I visited Xgimi's booth at the IFA tradeshow in Berlin and was greeted with the Horizon 20 Max.

This is the brand's latest entry to the home-cinema projector market and a sibling of the Xgimi's less pricey, Horizon 20 Pro and Horizon 20.

Despite seeing a multitude of similar coffee-table projectors recently, there's a key reason these immediately stood out to me: the brand’s focus on selling them to gamers.

As with many of the companies I visited, all the representatives were keen to showcase them as a valid alternative to a proper gaming TV.

There was even a small gaming setup available in Xgimi's booth with Assassin's Creed Shadows on offer. The gameplay appeared pretty judder-free and was undeniably fun – despite the fact the Max doesn't match a modern premium TV in a key area that gamers care about.

The Max can play games at framerates up to 240Hz only in 1080p in its reduced latency settings, not 4K. This is fine if you're willing to sacrifice resolution for frames and responsiveness, but it will put off those gamers who demand 4K.

Still, as I watched the gameplay I found myself immersed nevertheless, which got me thinking about why it was so fun, despite the obvious shortcoming. After more time watching the Assassin's Creed demo than I care to admit, it came to me; it's the flexibility of the projector and ability to throw up a big-screen experience on the fly.

I use a tabletop projector as my primary screen and there's something special about the versatility it brings.

If you want to bring your game to a different space without switching to a handheld console, for example, you’re a little stuffed if you just rely on a TV. That's why the Xgimi Mogo 4 is my go-to at the moment, and a constant companion when I go away, or have a friend visit with a Nintendo Switch 2.

On top of that, you do not have the ability to adjust the picture size if you want a larger screen. You can get an image size of up to 300 inches with the Max, which far exceeds the dimensions of even the biggest TVs on the market.

This is where recent coffee-table projectors can really excel where TVs struggle. Their lighter and more portable build means they offer that much-needed flexibility without the hefty price tag.

For comparisons sake, the 77-inch LG C5 launched at the eye-watering price of £3800 / $3699 / AU$5999. That makes the Max's $2499 (around £1815 / AU$3755) price seem much more palatable by comparison – certainly if screen size is your main focus.

The team and I still need to check the projector's picture and sound quality in our test rooms before we make any final judgements. As always, if it can't deliver in these areas, it's not going to be worth buying regardless of how big the screen it can project is.

But, thankfully it does come with some impressive hardware to help in this effort. Every model in the new lineup supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and IMAX Enhanced with native Netflix support also available.

The flagship Horizon 20 Max features an all-new X-Master Red Ring Lens which Xgimi claims can help to deliver 5700 ISO lumens brightness.

And, based on my initial impressions, I can't help but be a little excited to try the Max, in particular, again.

During my demo I came away impressed with the sheer brightness and vibrancy of the Max projector. With the screen size set at about 200 inches, the image filled the space well; it felt like a truly immersive gaming experience, and one I want to enjoy again. Work also seems to have been done to deal with the projector's handling of contrast, which is a key area where we have found past Xgimi efforts to have struggled.

There have been a smattering of specialist gaming projectors in the past, but after seeing Xgimi's latest range I can't help but feel they are the start of a trend – and a sign that we will see even more appear in the not too distant future.

MORE:

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Here's our review of the Xgimi MoGo 4

And check out the best gaming TVs right now

As someone who has to wear glasses every waking moment in order to have the foggiest idea what’s going on, it can be quite the task to find a pair of headphones or wireless earbuds that don't interfere with my specs or my listening experience.

Even though my preferred type is usually over-ear headphones, it’s always a little uncomfortable to balance the arm of the glasses under the cups without them digging in.

That’s why one of Beyerdynamic’s latest headphone offerings at this year’s IFA in Berlin especially caught my eye.

Enter the Amiron Zero, the German brand’s open true wireless clip-on earbuds, which it claims provide “serious sound and outstanding wearing comfort".

With a petite C-shaped design, they wrap around the side of the ear to deliver “impressive sound quality". Each earbud only weighs six grams in an attempt to limit the amount of strain on the ear canal, so they hopefully you'll barely even remember you're wearing them after a time.

They will also set you back £129 (around $176 / AU$265), which isn't a ridiculous outlay for a pair of wireless buds. The sports-oriented, in-ear Sony LinkBuds Fit, for instance, clock in at around the same price of around £149 / $179, although cost a bit more in Australia (AU$348).

This is far from the first time we have seen this type of design on the market, of course.

One of the most notable models to stand out in recent testing are the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, which we gave a four-star rating for their entertaining sound performance and comfortable, forward-looking fit.

You wear them slightly differently to the Amiron Zero, as you hook the earbud in the bottom of your concha (the bowl-like section of your outer ear), then wrap the band around the back of your ear and allow the battery cylinder to help clamp the earbud in place. Still, the specs-friendly design is very much present.

Huawei also gave the 'clip-on' configuration a go with its FreeClip buds from early 2024, and while they left a lot to be desired on the sound front, we were impressed by how well implemented their innovative design proved to be.

Even though these aforementioned earbuds offer a much-needed alternative for the glasses wearers among us, there is often a fair amount of compromise made with such designs.

Clip on earbuds don’t usually deliver as good sound quality as ones that fit more securely into your ear. That’s because the lack of a seal means they don’t tend to sound as punchy or dynamic, especially when they are suppose to allow the user to be more aware of their surroundings. More traditional designs tend to offer you more bass weight, too, thanks to the presence of a proper in-ear seal.

That said, we've tested 'open' buds which have impressed us in our test rooms. The Sony LinkBuds Open and Apple's AirPods 4 impressed with their decent sound balance, and both earned respective four-star reviews, even if price-comparable in-ear alternatives still tend to offer a bit more in the sound department.

We haven't heard the Amiron Zero in action yet, so we're not certain whether this will be the case for these latest buds, but I'm excited to see what the future holds for these type of designs as someone who struggles with traditional earbuds.

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Open certainly demonstrated that open, clip-on designs could blend performance and comfort, so I'm hoping Beyerdynamic picks up the mantle at a more affordable price point.

It's a tough balance to strike between a secure yet unobstructive fit and good sound quality, so I'm curious how the category will develop. If the Amiron Zero can really nail their sonic performance while making good on their promise of better usability and comfort for glasses wearers and non-glasses wearers alike, I could be certainly tempted to try a pair for myself.

MORE:

Read our review of the five-star Beyerdynamic DT 990 Pro X over-ears

And our full review of the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

Check out the best wireless earbuds you can buy

If you've been keeping your eye out for a fresh pair of mid-range wireless headphones, you may well have spotted that German brand Beyerdynamic launched its latest addition to the Aventho series last week.

The Aventho 200 follow in the footsteps of their older siblings, the flagship Beyerdynamic Aventho 300, but with a considerably lower price tag. That sounds like an attractive proposition, and one that I couldn't pass up when I visited IFA 2025 last week to get some hands on time with Beyerdynamic's latest cans.

Check out these specs

At a price of £219 (about $295 /AU$450), the Aventho 200 are packing some impressive features. The over-ear headphones have a battery life that clocks in at 63 hours without active noise cancellation (ANC), providing three more hours than the Aventho 300 can muster.

Both offer up to 40 hours of playtime with ANC on, and you can also get up to 16 hours of playtime with a quick 15-minute charging boost.

On the Aventho 200's right ear cup, there's a touch-gesture control pad which lets you use a range of shortcuts, whereby you can turn up the volume or pause your tunes, for example.

You also get a choice of two colour options – white or black – both featuring a stylish silver yoke on either side. In fact, from the outside, the Aventho 200 look very similar to their older siblings, and that's no bad thing – we found the Aventho 300 to be a smart, well-made set of over-ears that were refreshingly easy to get along with.

Under the hood, the Aventho 200 house a set of 45mm dynamic drivers which, according to Beyerdynamic, deliver "powerful sound" with "defined highs and rich bass".

We rated their older sibling highly during our review, which bodes well for the newer model’s performance. They first launched at a price of £359 / $400 / AU$640.

While we find the ANC wasn’t the best we've heard at this level, we found the established headphones provided a balanced, even-handed sound with an impressive midrange and a knack for clarity and organisation.

What's the sound like?

That all sounds promising, but how do the Aventho 200 actually perform?

We're always excited to hear what new treats Beyerdynamic has in store, and it's interesting to see how the brand, famed for its wired headphones quality, is attempting to forge a reputation in the ever-competitive wireless space.

While I had the chance to hear the Aventho 200 first-hand on a very busy trade show floor, we'll need more testing time to really put the new cans through their paces. That said, I did get a flavour of what the new over-ears have to offer at this mid-range level, an area of the market we've often felt has been neglected by the major brands.

Listening to Taylor Swift’s August with ANC off, I found that the Aventho 200 showcase an enjoyable handling of dynamics and good detail. The soft guitar introduced at the beginning of the song sounds appropriately delicate, and seamlessly shifts into the louder chorus as more instruments are added. There's control and poise hinted at here, something we praised the Aventho 300 for during our tests earlier this year.

The dream-like vocals are clear, but I heard a slightly artificial, slightly tinny reproduction, although this may soften as the Beyerdynamics are run in over time. Again, further testing time will confirm or disprove these suspicions.

I didn’t get to compare the performance with the ANC switched on, which could well make a difference to the sound quality, but it's something we will find out when we get a review sample in for testing.

In terms of design, the memory foam headband provides a comfortable listening experience and the headphones themselves felt impressively light in my short time with them.

A tough market

The Aventho 200 are up against some stiff competition in this market, although their attractive price tag does make them stand out from the crowd. There aren't many great wireless headphones at this level, and certainly not many rivals that are fresh to the market.

Beyerdynamic's main competitor comes from the established Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless which, although they initially launched at £300 / $350 / AU$550, can now be found for a much lower price. In the UK, for example, some retailers are offering them for just under £188 (around $255 / AU$385).

During testing, the Sennheiser cans impressed with their clean and musical sound, as well as their effective ANC. As we said in our review: "They sound sharp and sprightly, and that added leanness hasn’t come at the expense of substance across the frequencies."

This resulted in a five-star rating, so there's certainly a lot for the Aventho 200 to live up to if they're going to challenge the Momentum 4 Wireless for mid-range supremacy.

Still, their competitive pricing keeps them away from having to compete with more expensive models from brands such as Sony and Bose. The Sony WH-1000XM6 will still set you back £400 / $450 / AU$699 at the time of writing, while the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) just landed at £449 / $449.

The Aventho 200 could have the makings of a solid set of wireless headphones with a hefty battery life all at a reasonable outlay, but they'll need to back up their attractive price with an up-to-par sonic performance. Stay tuned for our full review to see how they perform.

MORE:

Read our Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 review

These are the best wireless headphones you can buy

And check out the best over-ear headphones right now

We can't say we saw this one coming. After a hiatus of around 20 years, Sharp – a brand we associate more with TV/AV gear – is returning to the world of turntable manufacturing. It is looking to take advantage of the vinyl revival with its affordable RP-TT100 record player.

Unveiled at this year's IFA 2025 showcase, the new deck features fully automatic operation, with fast forward, rewind, pause and repeat functions available on the unit.

Capable of playing at 33⅓ and 45 RPM speeds, the Sharp RP-TT100 turntable is fitted with an Audio-Technica AT-3600L cartridge. It also has a built-in switchable phono stage for convenience, with a pair of line-level outputs also available if you want to use your existing amplifier's phono preamp instead.

There's also a remote included if you want to control your deck from afar rather than getting up close and personal.

The entry-level spinner is built for modern users with Bluetooth 5.3 streaming on board, meaning you can connect it wirelessly to compatible Bluetooth speakers or wireless headphones in the same manner as the five-star Pro-Ject T1 Evo BT.

A USB-C port for converting your records into digital files is also on board.

The new deck features an aluminium platter and a metal tonearm. Alongside that, a matt black housing and a Perspex dust cover complete the set, with Sharp claiming the turntable blends "classic styling with contemporary features".

The Sharp RP-TT100 will be available from October 2025, priced at £180 / €199. That's a very competitive price, and Sharp enters the budget vinyl market that sees competition from the likes of Crosley, Majority, Lenco and Victrola.

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We’re in awe, overwhelmed and more than a little sweaty. In other words, I and my colleague Lewis Epson are on the ground at IFA 2025.

All the major technology brands are here to show off their latest products, from laser projectors to budget speakers.

But one product category that has caught my eye in particular is the premium ultra-large Micro LED TVs on display.

The first of these that I saw was at TCL’s booth, where the brand was showing off a 163-inch RGB Micro LED TV. If you couldn’t tell from the photo below, it is blooming massive and is by far the biggest TV screen I have ever seen.

Instead of using organic light-emitting diodes, which is what OLED TVs do, Micro LED TVs use tiny, non-organic LEDs – three per pixel.

Each pixel can be turned on or off individually, or can display a completely different colour to the one next to it. The result is essentially perfect contrast and colour control.

Standing before such a massive screen really felt like having my own private movie screening, with impressive levels of brightness and vividness oozing from the picture.

The sound is more difficult to give a first impression of, as the acoustics are less than ideal in the convention space, and there was a lot of noise going on around me.

I also got a chance to see Hisense’s 163-inch UX MicroLED at its booth. It is using ASIC, which the brand says is a picture quality solution for precision dimming and controls each LED pixel to accurately provide a bright picture.

While this model did not seem to go quite as bright as the TCL entry, it did seem to focus more on the detail of the image.

We are yet to scope out all the offerings from the various brands in attendance at IFA, but it’s likely there are even more of these ultra-large models lurking somewhere.

It doesn’t look as though either of these 163-inch TVs will be available in the UK any time soon, so it’s difficult to say how much one of these models would set you back. We can assume it would take quite the chunk out of your bank account, though.

At this point, it’s fair to say that this size of TV is not for your average punter – it’s an ultra-large premium way to experience films. But who’s to say we won’t be seeing more models around this size with a more achievable price tag in the future?

And that really got me thinking about what this could mean for the world of projectors...

Competition for projectors?

Most premium projectors can go up to 150 inches, with our favourite performance-per-pound projector, the Sony VPL-XW5000ES, able to project an image up to 200 inches in size.

Of course, that is larger than the 163-inch TVs on display at IFA, but the Micro LED technology means there is a level of vividness there that is very difficult (if not impossible) to achieve with a projector at that size.

TVs also typically offer a wider range of physical connections, such as 4K/120Hz-compatible HDMI 2.1 sockets.

There are unique features to projectors as well, of course. For instance, the majority of projectors are relatively portable, so you can take your movie experience from room to room without having to lug a giant screen around.

There's also something almost intangibly cinematic about a projected image when compared with one displayed on a TV.

Still, if your budget and your house can stretch to having one of these premium screens as part of your home cinema setup, it could easily be a trend to keep your eye on.

MORE:

Here's our review of the Sony VPL-XW5000ES

IFA 2025 is fast approaching – here's what we're hoping to see

These are the best TVs on offer right now

Lenco has unveiled a trio of turntables at this year's IFA showcase, each offering a different set of features.

At the head of this new triumvirate is the Lenco LBT-515, a direct-drive turntable which the brand claims has been "designed with audiophiles in mind".

The new deck is equipped with an Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge for delivering "clarity and dynamic range", while a quartz-controlled direct-drive motor pursues a steady, accurate rotation at both 33 and 45 RPM speeds.

The LBT-515 offers adjustable pitch control and anti-skating technology, as well as a mechanical arm lift. The new deck has a switchable preamp and built-in equaliser and, like the Pro-Ject T1 Evo BT we tested earlier this year, Bluetooth 5.3 grants wire-free streaming of your records to devices such as Bluetooth speakers and wireless headphones.

The LBT-515 will be available in November, priced at £580 / €600.

If you want a more complete turntable system package, Lenco has also revealed the LS-700BK, designed for users "who want their records to sound as bold as they look".

The new system combines a Lenco turntable with a 200-watt speaker setup for "room-filling audio". It comes fitted with an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge in pursuit of "detailed, balanced playback".

The LS-700BK includes a built-in stereo amplifier as well as Bluetooth 5.2 streaming from a source to the built-in speakers, as well as a digital speed display and anti-skating tech for more precise performance.

The LS-700BK record player package is available in October, priced at £700 / €749.

If you're more into an all-in-one design, the final member of the trio is the LS-60BK, an integrated vinyl system wherein the speakers are housed within the deck's wooden MDF cabinet.

This all-in-one turntable system plays 33, 45, and 78 RPM records, has a belt-drive motor, and is fitted with an Audio-Technica AT-3600 MMC cartridge.

Thanks to its two-way Bluetooth capabilities, users can stream vinyl replay wirelessly to headphones or speakers, or play music directly from their phone to the deck itself and use it as a Bluetooth speaker. The LS-60BK's speakers deliver 10 watts of power, and it has a pair of RCA line-level outputs to plug it into a wider hi-fi setup.

The LS-60BK is available this September, priced at £150 / €170.

Aside from its trio of turntables, Lenco has also unveiled a pair of powered bookshelf speakers, the catchily named SPB-240KGY. These speakers offers 80 watts of amplification and boast Bluetooth 5.3 for connecting to your source device wirelessly.

The Lenco powered speakers will arrive in November, priced at a very competitive £150 / €170 per pair.

MORE:

Read our review of the Sony PS-LX310BT

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Dolby has announced Dolby Vision 2 – an evolution of its premium Dolby Vision HDR tech, which launched in 2014.

The new iteration introduces a smattering of new features, including AI smarts and expanded creative tools, moving beyond traditional HDR processing to offer what the company describes as a more intelligent approach to picture optimisation.

One standout feature of Dolby Vision 2 is Content Intelligence, which automatically adjusts picture settings based on what viewers are watching, and their viewing environment.

This includes Precision Black technology, designed to address the common complaint that HDR content appears too dark in certain lighting conditions, while maintaining the director's creative intent.

Light Sense is another feature, which provides advanced ambient-light detection, using reference lighting data from content sources to optimise the TV's output for different room conditions.

Sports and gaming receive dedicated attention too, through specific optimisation features, including white-point adjustments and motion control designed for the demands of live broadcasts and interactive content.

The technology also introduces Authentic Motion, which Dolby claims is the world's first creative-driven motion control tool, allowing filmmakers to manage motion on a shot-by-shot basis to reduce unwanted judder while preserving cinematic authenticity.

Dolby Vision 2 will also land with a redesigned image-engine that works alongside bi-directional tone mapping.

This new approach allows content creators to take advantage of modern TVs' increased brightness and colour capabilities, while preserving their artistic vision.

Given that today's premium displays can achieve significantly higher peak-brightness levels than earlier generations, Dolby Vision 2 clearly aims to use this enhanced hardware more effectively.

When launched, Dolby Vision 2 will land in two tiers – Dolby Vision 2 Max for high-performance TVs with additional premium features, and standard Dolby Vision 2 for mainstream TVs.

As for supported sets, Hisense has confirmed it will be the first manufacturer to implement Dolby Vision 2, in its RGB-MiniLED television range.

The TVs will utilise MediaTek's Pentonic 800 processor with MiraVision Pro PQ Engine, making it the first confirmed processor that is specifically designed to integrate Dolby Vision 2.

French media company CANAL+ has also committed to supporting Dolby Vision 2 across its content library, including films, television shows, and live sports broadcasts.

The announcement comes as the HDR landscape continues to evolve, with multiple competing standards including HDR10+, HLG for broadcasts, and the established HDR10 format.

Dolby Vision has maintained its position as the most widespread option, though adoption varies significantly between manufacturers.

Samsung, notably, continues to support HDR10+ exclusively, and does not support Dolby Vision on any of its products. Sony, LG, Panasonic, and Philips have embraced Dolby Vision alongside other formats.

The original Dolby Vision introduced dynamic metadata that optimises HDR content scene by scene, compared with HDR10's static approach.

We have yet to test Dolby Vision 2, but it is – on paper at least – a potentially significant improvement in picture quality. We expect performance to vary depending on individual film mastering and TV calibration.

As always, we are remaining tentatively optimistic, and will reserve judgement until we have seen Dolby Vision 2 in action ourselves.

We have also reached out to Dolby with some further questions: how is the AI processing different to previous iterations? Does it leverage large platforms such as OpenAI? How is Light Sense different to Dolby Vision IQ? How does bi-directional tone mapping actually work? Watch this space.

Specific availability dates and pricing for Dolby Vision 2-equipped televisions have not yet been announced. Hisense has indicated that timing details will follow at a later date.

We are also hoping to see Dolby Vision 2 in action at IFA 2025, so stay tuned for our initial impressions.

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Chinese projector brand Xgimi is continuing its mission of bringing premium projectors to the masses with its new lineup of projectors. It launched no less than six new models at this year's showcase, with everything from portable units made for camping trips to a brand-new ultra-short-throw model that might just replace your TV.

We've broken the lineup down into two sections to tackle all of the new announcements, and you can find out everything you need to know about the new Google TV-powered portable beamers and premium 4K units below:

Portable projectors: MoGo 3 Pro, Eflin Flip and Halo+

You can find our story all about the new MoGo 3 Pro here, but we'll quickly run through some of the new features. It's got a new compact design that's comparable in size to a Starbucks coffee cup, built-in Google TV functionality, auto picture adjustment and a Bluetooth speaker mode; that's a lot packed into a travel-friendly form factor. Furthermore, Xgimi showed off some of the accessories for the MoGo 3 Pro including a suave carrying case, optical lens filters, and the PowerBase which acts as both a stand and external battery for the projector. It's available now for £419 / $449 / AU$1099. 

Next is the Elfin Flip, part of Xgimi's budget series of small and cheap beamers. It features a built-in stand with 150 degrees of rotation, which can close flat and protect the lens when not in use. It can project a 1080p HDR10 image up to 150 inches, and with 400 ISO lumens, Xgimi says it can deliver a "vibrant and lifelike viewing experience". With portability in mind, it also has Xgimi OS built-in with Netflix support alongside other streaming apps, and Intelligent Screen Adaptation (ISA) built in for automatic focus, keystone, obstacle avoidance and picture alignment. And at just £339 / $399 / AU$TBC, it's as affordable as it is adorable. 

Rounding things out in the portable lineup is the updated Halo+, which is mostly a software upgrade over its predecessor with Xgimi dropping Android TV in favour of Google TV. This brings native Netflix support to the projector which also touts 700 ISO lumens of brightness, a Harman/Kardon sound system, a 1080p resolution with HDR10 support and a picture size of up to 200-inches. It retails for a slightly cheaper price than its predecessor at £679 / $799, with Australian pricing TBC. 

4K home cinema projectors: Aura 2, Horizon S Plus and Horizon S Max

Onto the latter half of Xgimi's upgraded lineup, there are four new 4K laser models in Xgimi's roster which are destined for living rooms rather than campsites. The first and, in our opinion, the most exciting new model is the Aura 2 (pictured above) which is a sequel to the four-star Aura from 2022. This new model is a radical departure from its predecessor's black and grey construction, with a much more premium looking and feeling design complete with a motorised lens cover that retracts when you switch the projector on. 

It features a 4K resolution with Dolby Vision support, as well as Dolby Atmos certification for its built-in Harman/Kardon sound system. It also has an impressive 0.177:1 throw ratio meaning you can achieve a 100-inch image by placing the projector just 17.8cm away from the wall. Strangely Xgimi has opted for Android TV on this model which feels like an odd choice, as the other models in the new range seem to use the newer and slicker Google TV system. 

Elsewhere the Aura 2 features Xgimi's Dual Light 2.0 system capable of reaching an impressive 2300 ISO lumens, alongside its ISA 5.0 automatic calibration system which handles the usual picture adjustments (focus, keystone and alignment) alongside some more involved tasks such as adjusting the picture based on the shape and colour of your wall. And if you don't want to project onto the wall, then you can pick up the bundle that includes the Aura 2 and a 100-inch screen made by Xgimi. The Aura 2 is available to pre-order now for £2439 / $2699 / AU$6399, with pricing for the bundle expected soon.

Finally, Xgimi announced a pair of new projectors that are set to join the Horizon Pro and Horizon Ultra. The Horizon S Plus and Horizon S Max are similar in looks and specs, though the Max has a few expected upgrades over the Plus. They both feature a flexible built-in stand with tilt and rotation functionality, Android TV, Dolby Vision support and the ISA 5.0 system.

As for differences, the Max is brighter at a blinding 3100 ISO lumens compared to 1800 ISO lumens on the Plus, and the Max receives IMAX Enhanced support with DTS:X, while the Plus supports DTS HD. The Horizon S series is yet to receive pricing, though we expect that the Max will be the more expensive of the pair. 

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The best of IFA 2024: the top 9 products we saw from the 100-year tech showcase

Read our full Xgimi Horizon Ultra review

As well as our picks for the best projectors

Another year, another IFA. This year’s event was a special one, celebrating 100 years of one of the biggest tech expos in Europe, an event that enjoyed its first-ever shows way back in 1924 – that predates a World War, the Moon Landings, the Cuban Missile Crisis and Will Young stunning audiences everywhere to beat Gareth Gates to the Pop Idol crown in 2001. So much has happened. 

This year's event saw many of the biggest hitters in consumer electronics descending on the Messe Berlin exhibition centre to showcase their wares, many of which were enjoying a public airing for the first-ever time. With the likes of Samsung, LG, Hisense, TCL and Sennheiser all in attendance, What Hi-Fi?'s roving reporters were pounding the show floor seeking out the biggest and most exciting reveals from this year’s centenary showcase. 

Technics SC-CX700

Technics sprang something of a surprise on us at IFA 2024, unveiling its first active wireless speaker system in the shape of the new SC-CX700. The new all-in-one system is designed to be a no-hassle setup that serves all (or most) of your audio needs, offering up HDMI, phono inputs, and hi-res streaming in a neat, manageable package. 

We even got a chance to hear them a little, albeit for a relatively short time, and while we won't pass comment on quality (more time needed, poor listening conditions etc.), the SC-CX700 was definitely capable of going loud and proud. A good sign, especially when you also consider all of those connectivity options. 

Panasonic Z95A

The latest flagship OLED from Panasonic might not be new to us (we've actually seen it a few times before) but it still dazzles every time we get a moment with the set. It’s yet to launch in the UK, so getting the opportunity to view it in action yet again at IFA 2024 was a treat, especially with the new Fire OS system in full swing.

The Z95A feels smarter, and despite our scepticism about opting for Fire OS, we're happy to report that the Z95A already seems better off for it. Panasonic’s previous My Home Screen effort just wasn’t cutting it, and the familiar warmth of Fire OS instantly made the Panasonic feel more user-friendly and approachable thanks to the wide app compatibility. 

Pair that with a stunning Micro Lens Array imbued OLED display with gaming support up to 4K/144Hz via HDMI 2.1 and a Technics-tuned Dolby Atmos sound system built in, and the Z95A is already shaping up to be a prominent late arrival on the 2024 OLED TV scene. The big news from Panasonic is that after an eight-year hiatus, Panasonic is officially returning to the US. The Z95A is spearheading this stateside operation, so the pressure is on for this TV to perform.  

Technics SL-1300G

The high-end Technics SL-1000R currently takes pride of place at the heart of What Hi-Fi?'s reference system, so the idea of a more affordable, streamlined deck that still has so much of the peerless Technics DNA pumping through its metaphorical veins is deeply exciting to us. 

The new SL-1300G direct-drive turntable packs in new Delta Sigma motor control software for minimising vibrations, as well as a more powerful iron core-less motor and a three-layered heavy platter design. Aimed squarely at the consumer who wants Technics sound for their vinyl at an elevated performance, the SL-1300G will cost £2799 / €2999 when it hits the market in October this year. We can't wait. 

Xgimi Aura 2

Xgimi hinted at a new ultra-short throw projector at last year's IFA showcase, and it’s followed through with that tease by unveiling the Aura 2 UST projector at this year’s event. Xgimi as a brand has undergone somewhat of a transformation lately, with the boxy gunmetal grey designs of old being swapped out for stylish fabric jackets and mechanical moving lens covers as seen on the Horizon Ultra. Now, the Chinese projector brand is applying that ethos to the Aura projector. 

It’s had a radical design, to the extent that this new version looks entirely unrelated to its predecessor, but that’s no bad thing. The Aura 2 is a suave-looking unit, and it’s got the specs to back it up, making it both a beauty and a beast.

The new projector supports Dolby Vision and Atmos on the built-in 60W Harman/Kardon sound system, as well as upcoming support for the IMAX Enhanced format. With 2300 ISO Lumens of brightness thanks to Xgimi’s Dual Light 2.0 system and a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, the Aura 2 is an impressive sounding beamer on paper, and it even has a nifty trick up its sleeve when it comes to positioning.

It features a 0.177:1 throw ratio, meaning you can project a 100-inch image by positioning the Aura 2 just 17.8cm away from the wall. Now that’s what we call ultra ultra-short throw!

AKG N9 Hybrid 

New wireless headphones! From AKG! Unveiled at this year's IFA, AKG has returned to the uber-competitive arena with its new AKG N9 Hybrid over-ears alongside its N6 Hybrid N5 wireless earbuds (£329 / €349).

We got listening time with the AKG N9 Hybrid and, without question, it was an enviable highlight of our time at IFA. The N9 house 40mm dynamic drivers equipped with bespoke liquid crystal polymer diaphragms to deliver what the maker describes as "wide-range detail and brilliant dynamic sound". 

We even managed a hands-on review of the AKG N9 Hybrid, and while we're always non-committal at this stage, we liked what we heard a great deal. As we stated in our proto-review: "These are clearly cans that honour AKG's studio legacy", serving up a sound that struck us from the get-go as poised, controlled and immensely well-balanced.

Early days, but these could, could, be something a bit special.

AKG N5 Hybrid 

AKG's above over-ears aside, we had a good deal of listening time with the N5 Hybrid wireless earbuds, and in all honesty, it's a similar story. Again, more in-ear time is required, but the premium wireless earbuds sounded cohesive, clear and focused, with a bass response that never allowed itself to become unwieldy or disparate. Priced at £250 / €269, they're the latest pair of wireless earbuds to try and gain purchase in the premium space – as we've written many times before, the Sony WF-1000XM5 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones are the key rivals here.

They might have the sonic capabilities to do it, though. From Waxahatchee's Right Back To It through to Erik Satie's Gnossienne No.1, we enjoyed our time with the buds as much as the new over-ear headphones. They're comfortable and nicely made, have a host of features at their disposal and, if further testing reveals their sound to be up to scratch, could definitely be ones to watch in the future.

Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 

Beyerdynamic, better known for its (mostly) excellent range of wired, reference-style headphones disclosed that not only did it have a pair of new wireless noise cancelling dropping at IFA 2024, but a set of true wireless earbuds, too. They even released a pair of gaming headphones for gamers who want some studio-grade pedigree from their cutting-edge cans. 

The flagship Aventho 300 (priced at $400) are the ones we're interested in here, packing in customisable noise cancelling, Dolby Head Tracking capabilities and a pair of the company's signature Stellar.45 drive units. With Bluetooth Multipoint, customisable ANC, six built-in mics and up to 38 hours of total charge time, they're hardly light on features either.  

They sounded impressive, too. We've got a hands-on review in the pipeline, but if you just can't wait a few days, here's a spoiler: we were impressed. From the brief moments spent together, it was clear that the influence of those Stellar drive units, plus a good deal of Beyerdynamic's substantial studio knowhow, had crafted a pair of wireless cans that sounded resplendently clear, sumptuously well-ordered and strikingly detailed. 

Want analytical headphones with a hint of studio-grade flair? These could be the ones. 

Canvas Hi-Fi

We’re always moaning about shoddy TV sound systems here at What Hi-Fi?, but a solution might have just presented itself courtesy of Canvas Hi-Fi. If the Sennheiser Ambeo Max is the notion of a soundbar turned up to eleven, then consider this turning it up to 100. 

The Canvas Hi-Fi is a combination TV stand and soundbar system that features hi-fi grade drivers and an integrated stand for your TV to be mounted on; pair that with the magnetic grilles that come in a range of wood and fabric features and you have a surprisingly suave solution to an all-in-one screen and sound system. Better yet, if you decide to upgrade your TV and opt for a different screen size, you can switch the grille out for a seamless look without having to buy a whole new speaker system. 

The Canvas connects to your TV with eARC and the cables are neatly hidden in a section with a removable cover, ideal for those who despise unsightly cables. The drivers in this unit are a combination of next-gen paper cone mid/bass units, high precision stiff paper cone long excursion passive radiators and a pair of die-cast aluminium waveguide silk dome tweeters – this is about as hi-fi as a soundbar gets.

Considering those drivers are backed with a four-channel Burr-Brown DAC and HiFi amplifier, you can expect them to deliver a clear, punchy sound with bone-rattling bass in both the stereo and 3D surround sound modes.

Beyerdynamic Amiron 300 

Not ones to be outdone, Beyerdynamic matched AKG's double drop with the release of the Amiron 300 wireless earbuds to accompany the Aventho over-ears above. Aiming for the market’s major players with a price tag of $280, the new buds offer a superb 38-hour total battery life, customisable ANC, and quite a lot else besides. 

With our most comfortable walking shoes donned and a wilful disregard for the pain caused by carting around a large backpack all day, we just had to sniff them out for a listen. Happily, it's more (tentatively) positive news: the Beyer buds sounded solid, engaging, balanced and refined, leaving us wanting to hear a great deal more of what they can. There was a decent amount of wallop in the bass, although not too much for us to be perturbed or worried that this is just a pair of bass-heavy buds with far more style than substance. Again, control and refinement are the order of the day for Beyer, it seems. 

Will they have the chops to tackle their five-star rivals? Stay tuned, folks...      

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World’s first tape recorders, colour TV broadcast, MiniDisc and Einstein: 12 highlights from 100 years of IFA

Like the best hi-fi and tech showcases in the calendar, IFA is a chance for the biggest names in audio and home cinema to exhibit their latest products and technologies, from cutting-edge TV panels to new turntables or wireless speakers.

be they the hottest market releases or simply the products that eager punters are desperate to see in the flesh. With the likes of TCL, Samsung, Hisense, Technics and Panasonic in attendance, it's hard to resist the allure of the now-100-year-old showcase. 

This year's IFA, however, felt like one for the bargain hunters. That isn't to say that there weren't big-name brands or high-end launches on display to dazzle and impress us. Instead, many of the new products we witnessed came with real-world prices – from budget Bluetooth turntables, desktop speakers, numerous earbuds and a compact projector.

For those buyers or browsers searching for budget brilliance, IFA 2024 was the place to be.

Lenco's trio of turntables

Lenco likes a turntable launch at IFA and this year has been no different. The Swiss company unveiled a whole trio of budget turntables at IFA 2024, and while the decks differ somewhat in terms of design and feature set, they're all clustered pretty close to the lower end of the price landscape.

The cheapest of the three is the Lenco LBTA-165, setting you back just £199 / €219. The Bluetooth deck features automatic operation, comes fitted with its own Audio-Technica AT3600L moving magnet cartridge and has a built-in phono preamp for plugging directly into active speakers. 

The Lenco LBT-215BK is up next, sitting in the middle of the three at a price of £299 / €329. The middle child goes further by offering a USB output so you can convert your analogue vinyl records into digital music files to a PC or Mac and then download them to a portable music player. The cartridge is better, too, rising to a Audio-Technica AT-VM95E moving magnet model.

It's still a budget deck, but the Lenco L-455BK is the costliest of the new triumvirate, featuring a brushed aluminium frame and an Ortofon 2M Red moving magnet cartridge. At £449 / €499, it's going up against five-star rivals such as the Dual CS 418 and Rekkord F110.

Xgimi Elfin Flip compact projector  

Xgimi launched a revitalised lineup of projectors at this year’s IFA expo, with no fewer than six new projectors being announced. While the price 4K Aura 2 or Horizon S Max are the models that have grabbed our attention most, Xgimi’s cheaper new option is also well worth mentioning. 

The adorable Elfin Flip is a compact portable projector that features a nifty rotating built-in stand that protects the lens when not in use or can be tilted to practically any position to project on a wall or ceiling. It can beam a 1080p HDR image anywhere you decide to take it, and the built-in Xgimi OS with Netflix support means you can take it on the go without needing an external media streamer.

It may not be the highest spec device we’ve seen this IFA — it’s brightness of 400 ISO lumens and fairly basic sounding dual 3W speakers should hint at that — but just look at it, isn’t it cute? Xgimi hasn’t skimped on picture adjustment tech either, with auto keystone, focus and alignment baked in for easy viewing. 

And at just £399, it’s simple, easy fun.

Kanto Ren active speakers

We've known about the Kanto Ren for a while, with the Canadian audio brand announcing a new pair of versatile active desktop speakers earlier this year. This, however, has been one of the first major chances we've had to really get a good look, and listen, to the boldly coloured units.

Aside from a robust and assertive sound, the Kanto Ren are strong on connections, offering an HDMI ARC input for hooking up to a TV plus a USB-C input for playing files up to 24-bit/96kHz from a given source player. Better still, you get an optical input that supports up to 24-bit/96kHz hi-res files, as well as a single RCA input alongside a 3.5mm jack. And you know what? We quite like them in orange.

JLab Epic Sport ANC 3 wireless earbuds

If nothing else, you're getting a lot of battery life for your money with the JLab Epic Sport ANC 3. As you might have guessed, the new buds combine active noise cancelling and some seriously impressive battery life figures with a decidedly sporting design, using the over-ear hooks we've seen deployed with the more costly Beats Powerbeats Pro or some of JBL's older sport-focused headphone designs.

They feel quite nice to hold and touch, too, especially when you consider they won't set you back north of £50 / $50 / AU$80. Noise cancelling, Multipoint Bluetooth, 52 hours of battery life and 10mm dynamic drivers in each bud? That's a lot for your money.

Panasonic RB-M600B wireless headphones and RZ-B120W wireless earbuds

How about that, then? Panasonic has decided to launch a few pairs of headphones at this year's IFA, including a pair of wireless headphones and a set of pretty feature-heavy earbuds.

The Panasonic RB-M600B might end up going up against the Sony ULT Wear, promising to deliver buckets of boosted bass via the use of a dedicated bass button. Details are still a little thin on the ground, but we do know that they'll give you around 15 hours of battery life with noise cancelling switched on, although that active bass button might drag those numbers down a bit. 

The counterpart earbuds, meanwhile, offer Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity and will offer 6.5 hours of listening off a single charge, with the case offering 19.5 hours of extra juice. The buds' IPX4 waterproof certification, meanwhile, should mean they'll survive outdoor use and/ or as a gym pair. We don't have exact pricing, but previous models have been around the £100 / $120 mark, so we imagine they'll be in the same ballpark.

Majority Audio – various

Majority launched a lot of products at this year's IFA, so much so that it's a little tricky to give each one its own proper rundown. But we'll give it a go: the British brand's debutantes included, but were not limited to, its Elias Plus Dolby Atmos soundbar and subwoofer, the Darwin Bluetooth DAB+ Radio, the Fitzwilliam internet music system, the Moto Plus Bluetooth turntable-plus-speakers package, and four (count them) portable party speakers: the P100, the P200, the P400 and the P500. All are aimed at the budget end of the market.

EarFun OpenJump, TunePro and UBOOM X

EarFun is another budget brand that always reliably launches a collection of affordable products. This year at IFA saw the brand launch its first open-ear headphones (OpenJump), a new over-ear pair of ANC headphones (TunePro), and a beefy, JBL Xtreme 4-rivalling Bluetooth speaker (UBOOM X). The UBOOM X promises 30 hours of playback and the ability to link 50 units for a house party, while the TunePro boasts 120 hours of battery life. Prices range from $160 / £150 to $70 / £60, making them one of the most affordable launches we've seen at IFA this year.

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Read our hands-on review of the new AKG N9 Hybrid headphones

IFA 2024 news and highlights: the latest turntables, speaker systems, headphones, projectors and more

It feels as though it has been quiet on the AKG front for some time now – it’s almost eight years since Samsung acquired the once prolific headphones brand as part of the Harman International acquisition of 2016.

Product news has been particularly thin on the ground in recent years, though, but at last, we have a double whammy of new products to report on from IFA 2024.

Say hello to the AKG N5 Hybrid wireless earbuds and N9 Hybrid wireless headphones.

AKG's press release is off to a bold start, claiming the N9 boast “industry-leading hybrid adaptive noise cancellation”. Auto Compensation uses six built-in microphones to monitor external noise and make adjustments to the ANC in real time. Alternatively, you can stick to one level of ANC via the AKG Headphones app.

• Read our hands-on review of the AKG N9 Hybrid wireless headphones

Inside each earcup is a 40mm dynamic driver made from Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP). On each earcup, you will find two beamforming mics to handle call quality, with AI machine learning keeping ambient noise at bay. The AKG’s “hydrodynamic windproof design” claims to reduce distortion caused by wind and improve the clarity of your calls.

The N9 hybrid supports Bluetooth 5.2 and comes with a 2.4GHz USB-C dongle which can be stowed in the left earcup when not in use. Battery life with ANC and Bluetooth turned on is a claimed 55 hours.

Additional features include Bluetooth Multipoint and support for AKG Spatial Audio, which can turn any stereo content into virtual surround sound. There is also LDAC support for higher-quality Bluetooth audio from compatible sources.

The AKG N5 Hybrid wireless earbuds also come with a USB-C dongle (stored in the case) and claim to offer “best-in-class” adaptive noise-cancelling which, as on the N9 Hybrid, can also be tweaked through the AKG Headphones app.

These buds use a 10mm Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coated dynamic driver, and offer similar spatial audio tech to the over-ears. Battery life should be good for eight hours of playback per charge (with ANC on), while the supplied carry case adds approximately three extra charges. The buds are IP54 rated which means they are  resistant to dust particles and water sprays from multiple directions which should make them handy for exercise.

To aid call quality, there are multiple customisation options available through the AKG Headphones app, including the ability to fine-tune your voice for meetings or add more bass or treble to others on the call. The Voice Aware feature can even fine-tune the amount of your voice that you hear when you speak so you don’t end up shouting in public.

With the AKG N5 Hybrid priced at £250/€269 and the AKG N9 Hybrid coming in at £329/€349, it will be interesting to see what AKG can bring to the party. This is a super-competitive space and they will compete with some exceptional rivals, such as the Sony WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones. We will let you know how they get on as soon as we have samples in for review.

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Technics surprises us with a KEF-rivalling wireless speaker system at IFA 2024

EarFun has unveiled a trio of wireless audio products at IFA 2024, adding a portable Bluetooth speaker, open earbuds and over-ear headphones to its roster of budget-friendly audio devices.

The rather aggressively-named UBOOM X portable speaker leads the charge, packing 80W of power courtesy of its dual 20mm tweeters and twin 4-inch mid-woofers. EarFun's proprietary JumboBass tech (another in-your-face moniker) is also present, aiming to deliver robust low-end performance without compromising on treble clarity or midrange definition.

Present in the company’s existing, fantastically-featured UBOOM L, it uses a custom digital signal processor and multiple dynamic range controllers to enhance bass frequencies without compromising vocal clarity. We’ll have to test the waters with our own ears of course, but it sounds promising for those who don’t want to muddy the vocal waters with booming bass.

Built to withstand the elements, the UBOOM X also features IP67 waterproof certification, along with EarFun's Sweatshield technology for shrugging off the worst of any exercise-induced moisture. Its 30-hour battery life and device charging capabilities also make it worthy of outdoor excursions away from the mains.

And if you fancy raving on the beach, it also offers a Party Connect mode, allowing users to sync up to 50 (!) UBOOM X units. A built-in microphone for hands-free calls and customisable LED lighting round out the features.

Elsewhere, In the wireless earbuds arena, EarFun also unveiled the OpenJump – a pair of open-ear, hook-toting earbuds complete with 14.2mm wool composite drivers. EarFun claims these will deliver natural sound across various genres, though again, we'll reserve judgment until we've had a chance to test them ourselves.

The OpenJump earbuds also support Hi-Res Audio and 3D Surround Sound, with Google Fast Pair for swift device connections. For gamers, EarFun states a latency of less than 50ms when connected to consoles, though real-world performance remains to be verified.

Lastly, we have the Tune Pro – EarFun's new over-ear ANC headphones. These Bluetooth 5.4-equipped cans boast a claimed 120 hours of total playback time, though it’s not yet clear at the time of writing whether or not that’s with ANC on or off. We presume the latter, but either way, it’s certainly worthy of a long-haul flight or two.

The Tune Pro’s hybrid ANC system will reduce ambient noise by up to 40dB, while Hi-Res Audio certification and a driver configuration, consisting of 40mm diaphragms paired with 10mm drivers, suggest potential for solid audio performance. Additional features include a low-latency Game Mode and a Theater Mode for spatial audio effects.

As for when the new trio will launch, the UBOOM X is slated for release in early October, while both the OpenJump earbuds and Tune Pro headphones are set to launch in Q4 of this year. All three products will be available via EarFun's website and Amazon. 

Given the brand’s penchant for providing decent audio bang for a very reasonable buck, the products are available for relatively wallet-friendly figures. The EarFun UBoomX is yours for $160 / £150, the TunePro earbuds will cost $70 / £60, and the OpenJump model will be available for $80 / £70 when they're available from December.

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The Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin – or the International Radio Exhibition Berlin, or IFA to us – has been around for a while. Originating as a radio show back in 1924 (called the Große Deutsche Funkausstellung), Europe's biggest and oldest consumer electronics exhibition is a playground for brands from all over the world to showcase their latest products and innovations. It has also been through a fair few name changes, one World War and a global pandemic – and it continues to thrive today.

• IFA 2024: latest news from this year's tech show

IFA has seen the debut of various new technologies and audio/visual products, such as tape recorders and cassette players, TV technologies – from early CRT and inaugural colour TV to cutting-edge 3D TV and OLED of the 21st century – along with a few format wars, crazy conceptual products and era-defining hi-fi and home cinema products that we know and love.

Below is a whistle-stop tour of some of the key moments in IFA's 100-year history. If you were around for any of them in person, or have any other product, tech or personal highlights from the IFA show, feel free to share in the comments.

Albert Einstein opens the show (1930)

Celebrity guests don't get better than this. Forget Michael Bay and Paris Hilton; esteemed theoretical physicist and all-round genius Albert Einstein opened the seventh IFA show in Berlin in 1930. He paid tribute to his fellow scientists, engineers and inventors (Oersted, Reis, Maxwell, Hertz) and spoke of the wonder and importance of radio communication; the first live radio broadcast had taken place at the 1926 exhibition.

It was called the Great German Radio and Phonograph Show back then and the key highlight was the first showing of a prototype 'television receiver' to the public. This was one year before television broadcasting officially started in Germany.

You can see a video of Einstein's speech here.

World's first CRT TV demo (1931)

Speaking of which, another German physicist and inventor, Manfred von Ardenne, was responsible for giving the first public demonstration of a cathode ray tube (CRT) television system at the 1931 show.

This TV was able to both transmit and receive images, and a few years later in 1939 the first prototype of a colour TV was unveiled. The exhibition was rebranded that year as Große Deutsche Funk- und Fernseh-Ausstellung (Great German Radio and Television Exhibition) to recognise the advent of TV technology. 

It wouldn't be until 1967 that colour TV broadcast was fully implemented in West Germany...

Magnetophon K1 tape recorder (1935)

The German electronics brand AEG (founded in 1883) showcased the first practical audio tape recorder at the 1935 Berlin show. Called the Magnetophon K1, this magnificent device was a reel-to-reel tape recorder, based on the magnetic tape (or 'sound paper machine') invented and patented by Fritz Pfleumer in 1928. This tech was licensed to AEG, who then developed a more stable cellulose acetate-based tape, and thus the K1 was born. It was more cost-effective and had superior sound quality to rival steel-tape designs.

One of the first live concerts ever to be recorded was on a Magnetophon tape recorder (on the next-gen K2 model): Mozart's 39th Symphony was played by the London Philharmonic Orchestra in 1936, conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham. While early Magnetophon-recorded tapes weren't of the greatest quality, later generations (and even better tape material) resulted in greater recording quality. 

You can hear a recording made in 1935 of the original K1 here.

Philips EL3300 – world's first compact cassette recorder (1963)

In August 1963, Philips revealed the first compact audio cassette recorder to the world, and music storage and playback would for ever be changed (until CDs, iPods, computers, and downloadable digital files appeared...)

The Philips EL3300 was developed by cassette inventor Lou Ottens. It was battery-operated, had inputs for the microphone, a red light to indicate recording and it was brown. Very brown. It was also pretty pocketable, measuring just 11.3 x 5.6 x 19.6cm (or 4.4 x 2.2 x 7.7 inch). 

60 years later, who would have thought that cassette tapes would be having a mini resurgence?

Colour TV launches in West Berlin (1967)

We can only imagine the frisson of excitement and wonder, as on the morning of 25th August 1967, at the IFA show floor (then called the International Radio and TV Fair), foreign minister and vice-chancellor Willy Brandt symbolically pressed a red button to mark the new era of colour TV in West Germany.

It didn't just switch on colour TV; West Germany became the first country in Europe to introduce colour on two TV channels at the same time (ARD and ZDF). A momentous occasion, indeed. 

Colour TV had arrived to UK viewers only a month earlier. On 1st July 1967, BBC2 presented the first TV show in colour – the Wimbledon Tennis Championships presented by David Vine – to the public. The broadcast used the PAL (Phase Alternating Line) system, which originated from German television pioneer and engineer Walter Bruch. The PAL system was used for the colour TV launch at IFA 1967.

1971: IFA goes international, Funk-Otto logo

It was in 1971 that IFA became the internationally renowned technology show we know today. It was rebranded as the Internationale Funkausstellung (or IFA for short) and the famous "Funk-Otto" logo, created by German graphic artist Helmut Lortz, became the emblem of the show.

IFA has become one of the fixtures of the technology calendar, with the latest innovations and new products being presented to a global audience – CDs, MiniDiscs, digital/HD TVs, DAB radio, MP3 players, games consoles and – since the late 2000s – home appliances all have made their debut at the Berlin show since.

HD TV and Casio pocket TVs (1985)

Philips's prototype 3D TV made its debut in 1983, but 1985 was more momentous. Not only did high-definition HD TV get shown to the public for the first time – along with the first satellite receivers for TV – but Casio (yes, the makers of calculators) introduced pocket TVs.

These adorable pocket-sized TVs were about the size of a calculator or Sony Walkman and had a 2.5-inch screen.

Sony introduces MiniDisc prototype (1991)

Sony presented the first prototype of its MiniDisc at IFA 1991, with the format widely available from 1992 in Japan and Europe. Pictured above is the first MiniDisc player, the Sony MZ1.

As a replacement for the compact cassette, MiniDisc allowed you to store more than an hour of digital music (and it was rewritable) on a tiny 2.5-inch disc. The slow uptake of MiniDisc in the US, combined with fierce competition from cheaper CD-R discs and the introduction of MP3 players, meant that MiniDisc and MD players didn't quite catch on and became obsolete as digital music technology advanced.

HD DVD vs Blu-ray (2006-2008)

The hi-fi and home cinema landscape is rife with format wars (RIP Betamax), but one of the most brutal, short-lived format wars was for the successor to DVD.

The Toshiba-backed HD DVD (High Definition Digital Versatile Disc) launched in 2006 and ended in 2008, with the rival Blu-ray format winning the battle. Those attending IFA 2007 would have been privy to pretty heated to-and-fro during the press conferences from the Blu-ray Disc Association (whose approach we called "bullish" and "aggressive" and the HD DVD group (who valiantly fought back with a cheaper alternative).

An HD DVD disc could store 15GB, three times that of DVD, and its audio support – 24-bit/192kHz audio (for two channels) or 24-bit/96kHz (for up to eight) – was impressive too. However, Blu-ray could store 30GB and 2007's PlayStation 3 being equipped with a Blu-ray drive cemented the future.

By IFA 2008, HD DVD had dissolved and Blu-ray (backed by Sony, 20th Century Fox and Warner Bros.) emerged victorious.

• 13 heroic tech failures, from Betamax to HD DVD

11 foot tall, £300k iPod dock (2011) 

Proving it's not just Las Vegas's CES trade show that attracts the weird, the wonderful and the extravagantly expensive, 2011's IFA saw "the most extraordinary creation in the history of recorded sound: half machine, half work of art".

That would be the AeroDreamOne, a prototype speaker system from French musician Jean Michel Jarre, which boasted 10,000 watts of power, weighed 394kg and stood 11-foot tall. Of course, you need a ladder to reach the top to dock in your iPod or iPad.

Priced at around £300,000 (or $565,000), this is an iPod dock that only giants could dream of owning. 

Technics makes a hi-fi comeback (2014)

After six years away (a lifetime in the tech landscape) parent company Panasonic announced that Technics would be back in business at IFA 2014. The brand returned with a host of new hi-fi products, including the high-end Reference Class R1 series that consisted of an amplifier, network streamer and preamplifier, a pair of speakers, and the more real-world-priced Premium Class C700 range that also included a CD player. 

We reviewed three of the C700 products to rather disappointing results (two and three stars abound), but while it wasn't the most successful comeback, Technics hi-fi products since have only grown stronger and stronger. 

Technics has launched two new products at this year's IFA 2024: a new SL-1300G direct drive turntable and the SC-CX700 wireless speaker system.

LG unveils world's largest 77-inch curved 4K OLED screen (2013)

TV tech has not stopped advancing. In the 2010s and onwards, we have seen 4K OLED TVs, transparent TVs, rollable TVs, curved screens, ultra-slim and gigantic 8K screens with even newer technology to dazzle our eyes. 

January's CES show tends to get world-first dibs on the craziest, most eye-catching displays, but LG reserved a "world's first" for showgoers at IFA 2013. There, it unveiled the (then) largest 77-inch curved 4K OLED screen. Wowzers. 

We've also seen, courtesy of LG, a spectacular OLED tunnel which remains one of the best uses of the curved OLED screen tech beyond watching David Attenborough's Blue Planet in 4K.

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Beyerdynamic is going big with headphone launches at IFA 2024, which is rather fitting considering both the German brand and German show celebrate 100 years this year. The headphone specialist is announcing not only premium wireless earbuds with a hefty 38-hour battery life but also flagship noise-cancelling over-ears that offer Dolby Atmos-powered spatial audio.

Let’s start with the latter, the $400 Aventho 300, which tick all the boxes necessary in order to pose a threat to the premium-priced class leaders such as the AirPods Max and Bose QuietComfort Ultra. Their headline feature is Atmos support with head-tracking technology, which, like their aforementioned rivals, offers a more immersive, three-dimensional listening experience than traditional stereo that can adapt as the listener’s head moves. 

More ‘standard’ albeit arguably more desirable is the Aventho 300’s inclusion of active noise cancellation (ANC), which is powered by dual Sony chipsets on either side of the headphones and features a Transparency Mode so that users can temporarily be aware of their surroundings when they need to without having to take off the over-ears.

• Read our hands-on review of the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300

A very respectable – and indeed above-par – battery life of 50 hours bolsters the spec sheet further and is complemented by a 10-minute fast charge that provides up to five hours of playtime. 

While we won’t know how the Aventho 300 perform against their competitors until they become available in the coming weeks, they look as promising on paper as they probably could. Firstly, their engineering is based around Beyerdynamic’s Stellar.45 drivers, which are found in its five-star DT 700 Pro X and DT 900 Pro X, the latter of which made our pick of the best Beyerdynamic headphones in its 100-year history. Secondly, the Aventho 300 support aptX Lossless, which is theoretically among the highest-quality Bluetooth transmission codecs available.

Speaking of Bluetooth, the latest 5.4 specification is supported here, ensuring Multipoint Bluetooth is on the menu for connecting two devices to the headphones simultaneously. Wired listening is naturally offered via a 3.5mm jack and cable, although a blot on their otherwise immaculate spec sheet does appear to be that their USB-C port is for charging only – not listening.

Beyerdynamic is shouting about its new app, which offers a five-band equalizer and genre-specific presets and is an accessory for both these new wireless headphones and the company’s latest wireless earbuds.

Speaking of which, the Amiron 300 also aim for the market’s big-hitters with a price tag of $280. Their stellar battery life is 38 hours in total (10 hours are held in the earbuds; 28 can be stored in the Qi-compatible charging case). A 10-minute quick-charge handily provides two hours of playback.

As you’d expect for their price, the new Beyer buds pack ANC, which is customisable and automatically adapts to your surroundings. They too have a Transparency Mode and support Multipoint Bluetooth, while a generous provision of five sets of eartips and a flat-back earbud housing should help with fit and comfort.

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All the news and highlights from the IFA 2024 show

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Technics has sprung a surprise on us at IFA 2024, unveiling its first active wireless speaker system called the SC-CX700. 

It packs in amplification, streaming powers, connections and more inside a pair of bookshelf speakers, much like we've seen in the five-star KEF LS50 Wireless II and KEF LSX II all-in-one systems that dominate this product category.

Technics says the new SC-CX700 "redefines the concept of a modern entertainment system" that combines lifestyle-focussed aesthetic with the Japanese brand's expertise in audio technology. 

The Technics SC-CX700's spread of connectivity and streaming features mean it can be used as a standalone wireless speaker, as a bonafide hi-fi system or even as TV speakers thanks to its HDMI ARC input. The CX700 can connect to your home wi-fi network and has built-in Google Cast, and supports the popular music streaming services - Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, Amazon – as well as internet radio. 

While we don't have information on the full set of specifications we do know that the system is equipped with a set of phono inputs so you can plug a turntable directly into the speakers, such as Technics' own new SL-1300G, perhaps? A glance at the back panel (below) on demo units at the IFA 2024 stand shows a 3.5mm aux input, a USB-C port, wired Ethernet LAN port, a subwoofer output and a "P/S LInk" port, which could be the way you connect the two speaker units.

We can only assume that there is support for 24-bit hi-res music playback, although we don't have the confirmed specs for the formats supported here either. It's notable that there are no optical or stereo RCA inputs that we can see so far. 

The speakers feature a newly developed single coaxial driver unit that incorporates a lightweight ring tweeter, and is powered by Technics’ proprietary full-digital JENO-Engine amplifier. We don't have the power rating for the unit yet, but the brand is promising "stunning, dynamic sound to fill any room". A front-firing bass port helps to deliver powerful bass from a fairly compact unit, and also allows for flexible positioning of the speakers anywhere in your room. A technology called Space TuneTM can also help optimise the audio performance of the speakers depending on where they are placed in the room – a handy feature.

Technics says a lot of care has been taken to ensure that the vibrations of the speaker chassis and drive units don't affect the signal processing and digital amplifier, to deliver as pure a sound output as possible from an all-in-one unit. Additionally, a new Model Based Diaphragm Control (MBDC) technology "allows unparalleled motion control of the driver for ultimate sonic purity" even at high sound pressure levels. 

Frank Balzuweit, European Technics Product Manager, says: “The SC-CX700 promises to be the only Hi-Fi system that modern demanding music listeners will ever need. Never has the integration of premium sound, maximum connectivity and elegant design been this seductive."

You can see more images of the demo units on display at the Technics/Panasonic IFA stand above, showing the cross-section of the new driver and the amplification, streaming, power modules and circuitry inside each unit.

The Technics SC-CX700 is available in three finishes – Charcoal Black, Silky Grey and Terracotta Brown, as you can see in the above photo – and the cabinet is wrapped in a microfibre material that feels like suede, apparently. There are buttons on top of the unit, and there is a dedicated remote control and app for controlling the system too. It will cost £2399 / €2499 and will be available from October 2024. 

The class-leading, Award-winning KEF LS50 Wireless II is the one to beat here, originally launching at £2250 but now available for well under the £2000 mark. If Technics can come close to – or beat – the combination of design, connectivity and stunning sound quality we've long enjoyed from KEF's systems, it will be interesting times indeed. 

We'll update this story with more details as we hear them from the IFA 2024 show floor.

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IFA 2024: news, highlights and previews from this year's tech show

Read our KEF LS50 Wireless II review

And check out the best hi-fi systems we recommend

IFA 2024 has officially opened its doors to celebrate its 100th anniversary. And Europe's oldest consumer electronics show is delivering a host of new technological delights and product launches. 

• World’s first tape recorders, colour TV broadcast, MiniDisc and Einstein: 12 highlights from 100 years of IFA

The trade show opens to the general public today, on Friday 6th September, and the four-day electronics extravaganza sees some of the biggest names in tech strut their stuff, in a bid to woo consumers and industry pundits alike.

Naturally, our roster of intrepid, caffeine-fuelled What Hi-Fi? reporters been roaming the labyrinthine halls of the Messe Berlin convention centre to bring you all the latest news, first-impression hands-ons and analytical takes. We've seen everything from new headphones and turntables, wireless speaker systems to projectors, and plenty more.

Scroll below to see our latest news and highlights of the best new tech at IFA 2024.

Hands-on reviews

• Read our first impressions of the AKG N9 Hybrid wireless headphones
• Read our hands-on review of the Beyerdynamic Aventho 300 wireless headphones
• I've seen Samsung's conventional-sized Micro LED TV and I'm convinced it could kill OLED
• DTS's AI-powered Clear Dialogue feature isn't made for purists like me – but I like it anyway

IFA 2024 news and highlights

• Best of IFA 2024: the top 9 products we saw from the 100-year tech showcase
• IFA 2024 best budget releases: do-it-all speakers, marathon buds and a turntable trio
• Technics surprises us with a KEF-rivalling wireless speaker system at IFA 2024
• IFA 2024: Beyerdynamic guns for Apple and Bose with Aventho 300 Dolby Atmos headphones
• Hisense confirms its super-sized 110-inch Mini LED TV with 40,000 dimming zones is coming to the UK
• Technics SL-1300G turntable aims for "outstanding" rotational accuracy and "breathtaking performance"
• Bose, beware! AKG makes a splash at IFA 2024 with two pairs of premium wireless headphones
• Xgimi launches a six-strong projector lineup at IFA 2024, including the stylish ultra-short-throw Aura 2
• Xgimi unveils its coffee cup-sized MoGo 3 Pro portable projector at IFA 2024
• DTS's latest feature wants to fix one of our biggest gripes with TVs
• Yaber unveils its latest flagship projector at IFA 2024 with a unique feature to solve lacklustre projector audio
• Panasonic takes the fight to Sony with its new “deep bass” wireless headphones and earbuds
• EarFun unveils new speaker, earbuds and ANC headphones at IFA 2024
• This trio of versatile, affordable turntables is designed for the modern vinyl fan
• Dangbei unveils its Samsung The Freestyle portable projector rival ahead of IFA 2024
• Hisense unveils a new Europe-exclusive premium TV ahead of IFA 2024 – and it's not a Mini LED
• JLab's new sports earbuds have a marathon 52-hour battery life
  
  

When is IFA 2024?

• What is IFA 2024? Internationale FunkAusstellung Berlin is one of the biggest (and oldest) global annual trade shows for consumer electronics and home appliances.
• IFA 2024 dates: Friday 6th to Tuesday 10th September
• IFA 2024 location: Messe Berlin, Germany

What to expect at IFA 2024

IFA 2024 welcomes an impressive array of 1800+ global exhibitors, showcasing their latest innovations across a cavernous 130,000sq m space (in which journalists are famously forever getting lost). This year's event is expected to draw more than 182,000 visitors from 139 countries, surpassing last year's attendance and further cementing IFA's international appeal. 

The exhibition halls will be buzzing with activity, as 2000 brands, ranging from industry giants to innovative startups, present their cutting-edge products and technologies, with 125 speakers set to wax lyrical about all manner of tech.

We will, of course, be focusing on AV products from long-established brands such as Samsung, LG, JBL, Panasonic, Sony, Hisense, and more – while also keeping an eye out for any unusual or innovative newcomers that catch our eyes. Or ears.

Below is a collection of what we can expect to see from this year's showcase. Be sure to keep this page bookmarked, as we'll update it with all the most exciting IFA 2024 news as the week unfolds.

Anker 
Anker hasn't revealed any new headphones, but it has been busy making sure your trusty phone, tablet, and other devices don't die on you in the wild. The highlight of its new charging accessory range is the MagGo 3-in-1 foldable pad – a portable Qi2 charger that unfolds into three wireless pucks. Anker also introduced a MagGo Qi2 charging stand with a flexible positioning head, new MagSafe grip cases for the upcoming iPhone 16 series, and an updated slimmer MagGo power bank. Rounding out the offerings is a new 30W MagGo power bank, with a flip-up Apple Watch fast charger. 

Press conference: 05 Sep 2024, 09:30 - 10:30, Hall 3.2 / 205

Dolby
Last year, Dolby unveiled its FlexConnect system, which promises to provide an immersive Dolby Atmos surround sound experience, regardless of your speaker position or room layout. Flexconnect needs a compatible TV, along with external wireless speakers. Calibration is carried out automatically via the TV's supported built-in microphone. This year TCL has announced that Dolby Atmos FlexConnect will come to its high-end product portfolio in 2025, including the X Series. This is the second IFA in a row where the tech has yet to make it to shelves in the same year, so here's hoping the wait will be worth it.

DTS has launched a new AI-powered Clear Dialogue technology designed to help improve the clarity of dialogue on TVs. The feature uses AI-based audio processing to separate and enhance movie and TV dialogue being played on in-built TV speaker systems. It also allows for a degree of personalisation, letting users create their own profiles. While no TVs are currently confirmed to feature this tech, DTS support is common on sets by big-name makers including LG, Sony, Hisense, and Philips, so we may see implementations soon. Watch this space...

Hisense
Hisense has already revealed its brand-new OLED A85N TV ahead of IFA 2024, where we expect it to steal the spotlight on the company's stand. We are very interested in seeing how it compares with an equivalent rival like the LG C4, given its more traditional WOLED panel. Supporting both Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+, alongside HDR10 and HLG, it also has most audio formats taken care of too, in the form of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support over HDMI eARC.

Honor
Honor officially unveiled the Magic V3 – the world's thinnest inward-foldable smartphone — ahead of its global launch on September 5th. It measures a remarkably svelte 4.35mm when unfolded and 9.2mm folded, and the company has even gone as far as engraving a minuscule apology to Samsung Galaxy Z Fold owners on the handset's hinge, in a not-so-subtle dig at its Samsung rival. We are hoping to wrap our hands around its thin frame in person, and are looking forward to seeing how video content is presented on its large unfurled display.

Press conference: 05 Sep 2024, 14:00, Hall 6.2B / Inspiration Stage

LG
LG has revealed a rather attractive ThinQ On AI-powered home hub for controlling an array of connected smart devices. It is, apparently, matter-certified for maximum compatibility; we're not sure what the real-world benefits are over existing smart speaker setups, but that's precisely what we'll strive to find out at LG's stand in Berlin. 

Motorola
This year, Motorola and Telcomdis join forces to showcase Motorola Sound – a range of products that will, according to a release, include immersive wireless speakers, and headphones. We're not sure entirely what these will be as of yet, but will find out the full details in person during the show.

Onkyo has announced the TX-RZ30, a new AV receiver priced at $1199 / £1199. Launching in October, it features 100W of Class A/B amplification per channel, Dirac Live Room Correction Full Bandwidth, and IMAX Enhanced support. The receiver offers extensive connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth with aptX HD, and support for various streaming platforms. It's Roon Tested too, and even includes a Sonos port for integration with Sonos systems. A special audio mode for Klipsch Reference Premier speakers adds to its versatility.

Panasonic
Panasonic has unveiled new wireless headphones and earbuds for IFA goers. The RB-M600B over-ear headphones feature XBS Deep technology for enhanced bass, Bluetooth 5.3 with multi-point smarts, an impressive 65-hour battery life, and hybrid ANC. The RZ-B120W wireless earbuds also incorporate XBS Deep tech, with 7mm dynamic drivers, Bluetooth 5.3, 6.5 hours of listening time (plus 19.5 hours from the case), and IPX4 water resistance. 

Samsung
Samsung mostly focused on its "AI For All" vision at IFA 2024, demonstrating how AI can enrich users' lives. On the home entertainment front, it unveiled The Premiere 7 and 9 Projectors, offering 4K resolution and AI-powered technologies for optimal viewing. Samsung also announced that new AI TVs and select 2023 models will receive Tizen OS upgrades for seven years. Nice.

Press conference: 05 Sep 2024, 11:00 - 12:00, City Cube

Sennheiser
Last year, Sennheiser launched a more compact and affordable version of its iconic Ambeo soundbar, the aptly named Ambeo Mini. The company also revealed two new shades for its superb Momentum 4 headphones (Denim and Black Copper). Details are relatively scarce for what it plans to launch at this year's show, but there is confirmation that it will be showing off its TeamConnect Bar, which is good news for those into meeting/conferencing speaker solutions, we suppose.

Sony
While Sony Europe is officially on the IFA 2024 exhibitor list, there is no word on what the company will be showing off. We are hoping to be pleasantly surprised with new audio products at the very least, and will definitely be swinging by the Sony stand to see what's on the cards.

Technics has unveiled its first active wireless speaker system called the SC-CX700. Priced at £2399 / €2499 and available from October 2024, it features Wi-Fi and Google Cast connectivity, support for popular music streaming services, and an HDMI ARC input for playing nice with your TV. It also includes a newly developed single coaxial driver unit with a lightweight ring tweeter, powered by Technics' proprietary JENO-Engine amplifier.

Xgimi
Last year, Xgimi's Horizon Ultra was the brand's biggest reveal, launching as "The World’s First 4K Long-Throw Home Projector with Dolby Vision." This year, the company has confirmed it will unveil the MoGo 3 Pro portable projector and Aura 2 projector at its event on 6th September.

Yaber has unveiled its latest flagship projectors, the K3 and K3 Pro. The K3 Pro stands out with its included subwoofer, addressing a common weakness in projector audio. Both models feature a JBL-tuned sound system, 1080p resolution with a 40-inch to 200-inch projection size, and 1600 ANSI lumens brightness. They include automatic calibration features, an integrated Google TV streaming system, and Yaber's proprietary NovaGlow picture-enhancing and CoolSwift temperature control systems.

MORE:

Check out our picks for the best OLED TVs

And find the best OLED TV deals here

Here is our pick of the best stereo amplifiers

Hisense has revealed a brand new TV ahead of IFA 2024 and, in a shocking twist, it isn't a new Mini LED set. In fact, Hisense is taking another stab at OLED, with the A85N replacing the A85K within the company's current TV roster.

While it isn't usually a surprise to see a TV manufacturer launch a new OLED TV, this is a noteworthy case, as Hisense has championed Mini LED as the superior TV technology, to the extent that it was a founding member of the QLED alliance alongside Samsung and TCL back in 2017. This alliance was formed to strengthen the position of Quantum Dot LCD TVs against the rising popularity of OLED, and although Mini LED has become a more popular alternative nowadays, the premise of championing backlit LCD TVs over OLED TVs still rings true with Hisense's current strategy. 

With that important context out of the way, we can take a further look at the TV itself. Hisense is launching the A85N in 55- and 65-inch screen sizes in the UK and European markets, and it appears to be taking the LG C4 head-on. It uses a traditional WOLED panel from LG Display, with Hisense reportedly quoting a 1000-nit peak brightness, on par with other traditional (non-Micro Lens Array or QD-OLED) OLED TVs on the market. 

The A85N bests the C4 already when it comes to HDR compatibility, as Hisense is supporting both Dolby Vision IQ and HDR10+, alongside HDR10 and HLG. It also includes Filmmaker Mode and IMAX Enhanced picture modes on this set, for a comprehensive sweep of features. Audio is also well catered for, with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X support over HDMI eARC with compatible Dolby Atmos soundbars and AVRs, though Hisense hasn't shared much information regarding the speaker configuration for the 60W built-in sound system.

The A85N closely resembles its U8N Mini LED counterpart, albeit much thinner. It features a similar hexagonal base, although it adds swivel functionality into the mix, something the U8N was notably missing. It also runs Hisense's familiar Vidaa operating system which tends to have a robust app selection of fan favourites and UK-specific services.

Hisense has confirmed that the A85N will launch in Germany next month – but we can already spot it on UK retailer Crampton & Moore with a retail price of £1499 for the 55-inch model. The 65-inch is currently also showing at £1499 which we presume to be a placeholder or online retailer error. Comparatively, the 55-inch LG C4 is currently also available for £1499, so competition for this new Hisense will be tough.  

MORE:

Read our full Hisense U8N review

Check out our picks for the best OLED TVs

And find the best OLED TV deals here

Shure has launched the second generation of its over-ear Aonic 50 wireless headphones at IFA 2023. Building on the foundation laid by the first iteration, the second-gen model has a host of new and improved features including hybrid ANC, improved audio and up to 50 per cent more battery life. 

Crafted from premium materials and delivering what Shure promises will be “studio-quality” sound via 50mm dynamic drivers, the Aonic 50 Gen 2 headphones integrate Snapdragon Sound Technology for “consistent, crystal clear and captivating audio”. 

Central to the Aonic 50 Gen 2 is the inclusion of spatialised audio, powered by a proprietary algorithm that uses acoustic modelling to provide that immersive, spatial experience without sacrificing the fidelity of the original sound. The new tech features three modes – Music, Cinema and Podcast – enhancing or reducing different frequencies to optimise your listening experience depending on the audio source. 

Equally exciting is the arrival of hybrid active noise cancellation, improving the original model’s ANC by more effectively reducing external noise for increased immersion. There are four selectable modes to choose from – Light, Moderate, Max and MaxAware – so you can pick the option that best suits your environment, preferences and needs.

A customisable EQ via the ShurePlus PLAY app lets you tweak your audio to your liking, while beamforming microphone technology, boosted by six mics, minimises surrounding noise and enhances the clarity of voice calls.

Battery life has been extended, too. Shure promises up to two times more life than before, with the Gen 2 offering up to 45 hours of battery life. The Gen 2’s quick charge feature, meanwhile, gives you five hours of juice from a 15-minute charge.

Snapdragon Sound with Qualcomm’s aptX Adaptive codec and LDAC codec for higher quality streams over Bluetooth are included, as well as support for the standard AAC and SBC codecs. A two-year warranty, carrying case, 3.5mm audio cable and USB-C charging/audio cable are also included in the box.

The Shure Aonic 50 Gen 2 wireless headphones will be available in black in September 2023 and will cost £349 / $349 / €399.

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IFA 2023: news, highlights and all the key launches from Europe's biggest tech show

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Swiss audio manufacturer Lenco has revealed three new turntables at IFA 2023, and while details are a little thin on the ground at this early stage of release, we’ve had first-hand experience of how these new record players look, feel and even sound.

First up are the LBT-335 and LBT-345, two new Bluetooth record players with two rather different designs. The sustainably sourced LBT-335 is mounted on an attractive bamboo plinth with a cork mat for reduced sound transmission and has a plastic cover that prevents your records from being exposed to excessive dust and debris. 

The darker, sleeker LBT-345 model features a metal turntable platter, plastic dust cover and a handsome wooden finish for a more premium feel. Both models boast carbon fibre tonearms, both are belt drive models and both make use of an RCA connection. As the names suggest, both also feature Bluetooth streaming, meaning you can wirelessly transmit sound to external speakers or a pair of headphones should you wish. 

They also feature speed options of 33 and 45 RPM, and come with a moving magnet cartridge and a removable headshell, as well as anti-skating technology and start/stop controls. While prices are currently pending, Lenco usually populates the budget end of the turntable market. What we can assume is that the build of the LBT-345 suggests it will set you back a little more than its bamboo counterpart. 

Also making its IFA 2023 debut is the LS-470 record player-cum-speaker combo. Bulky, burly but hardly an unattractive unit, the chunky LS-470 comes equipped with four built-in speakers boasting 80 watts in total. 

Like its fellow record players, the LS-470 system supports 33 and 45 RPM speeds, as well as Bluetooth streaming from a source player (e.g. a phone or tablet) to the unit itself. With a belt drive design, AT-3600 cartridge fitted, volume control and an aluminium platter, the heavyweight LS-470 system isn’t short on hardware. 

It sounds decent, too, from what we can tell on a busy trade show floor. From the short demo to which we were treated, the hefty combo unit boasts a beefy, confident sound that just about manages to stand out amid the clamour of reversing forklifts, hammering nails and angry German workmen. The verdict, of course, is still out at this stage.

Sadly, this is all of the info we have on the three new Lenco models right now. We’ll update this story as soon as we have more details regarding pricing and availability of Lenco’s new turntable triumvirate. Stay tuned, and keep checking out What Hi-Fi? online and our IFA 2023 hub page for all the latest news and launches.

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It's been 93 years since Albert Einstein opened IFA (or the 'Great German Radio and Phonographic Exhibition', as it was then known) for what was the European trade show's sixth outing. Quick maths will tell you that the event is now in its 99th year, and it's come a long way since 242 attendees ogled technology for twelve whole days during the inaugural show.

This year's IFA is now live, until Tuesday 5th Sept, and many of the biggest names in consumer electronics – LG, Samsung, Hisense, TCL and Sennheiser, to name just a handful – have descended on the Messe Berlin exhibition centre to show off their latest and greatest wares. Brands who are not officially attached to IFA are also using the period to get in on the act of launching new products, too.

What Hi-Fi?'s roving reporters are on the show floor and you can see all the news and show highlights below...

IFA 2023 news and highlights

Audio Technica
Audio Technica announced on August 18th via "Twitter" (we know about the name change) that the brand would be attending IFA 2023. It mostly focused on the unveiling of a pair of new microphones, but there was a nice showcase of the limited edition "Ice Blue" version of the ATH-M50xLB over-ears, as well as a fun, audiovisual booth which showcased a lady walking around Japan banging drums and thrusting a microphone into the faces of unsuspecting natives.  

Anker 
We're not entirely sure what Anker has in store for us at IFA 2023, but what we do know is that they will be making an appearance at the ShowStoppers official press event on Thursday, August 31st. That likely means that the Chinese electronics manufacturer will be present as an exhibitor, though given the broad gamut of products it produces, what will actually be shown off is anyone's guess.

Fauna
We've included Fauna on this list purely because of the relatively unknown brand's rather novel foray into the world of sunglass-based audio (check out the IFA website for a sneak peek of what we mean). Suffice it to say, we'll be looking to try on a pair to see if the shades' sound matches their style.

Honor
Honor launched its latest foldable, the Magic V2, for the China market last month, but it looks as though it will be going global very soon. The world's thinnest and lightest foldable phone looks set to take centre stage during the company's IFA 2023 keynote 'Unfold Tomorrow' on 1st September, so hopefully we'll get pricing and availability details then. What's more, it could treat us to a sneak peek of a second, as-yet-unannounced foldable phone...

Jabra
If you like headphones and earbuds, you probably won't be short of distractions at this year's IFA. Danish electronics brand Jabra made an appearance both at the ShowStopper event and as an exhibitor, and they've announced two new wireless earbuds with Dolby Atmos support: a premium Elite 10 pair to challenge the Sony and Bose flagships, and a sporty pair of Elite 8 Active buds with military-grade toughness.

Jlab
Jlab is an American audio brand that specialises in colourful, low-cost electronics for fitness, gaming and the youth-oriented market. Jlab was present at the event this year, giving us the chance to get a look at the company's newly-announced JBuds Mini - as you'll see from the pics, they're small enough to fit on a keyring. Cute.

JBL
JBL is historically prolific around IFA time, and this year will be no different. While JBL weren't technically at IFA itself, they used this busy, buzzy period to launch some very exciting new models: the Dolby Atmos-enabled PartyBox, a rather retro-tastic wi-fi speaker (also with Dolby Atmos) and its first-ever pair of air conduction earbuds.

Lenco
Lenco didn't exactly advertise its presence at IFA, so we were surprised to be faced with not one, not two, but three new Bluetooth turntables launching: the eco-friendly LBT-335 bamboo turntable, the LBT-345 Bluetooth turntable and the LS-470 turntable-and-speaker combo system. We don't have pricing details just yet, but are curious to find out how this new trio will sound when they officially go on sale later this year. 

Majority Audio
Majority showcased a rather nice range of wares at IFA 2023., including a host of budget soundbars, streaming systems, headphones and radios. Crucially, the brand's new internet radio, the Oakington, was making an appearance, giving us the chance to have a feel, a look and a (brief) listen to the upcoming model.  

Motorola
Motorola, under the label "Motorola Sound" will be at IFA this year, and is officially unveiling some brand-new products in the world of audio and AV. 

Samsung
Samsung held a press conference on 31st August (and had a whole building daubed with the company's branding and logo). To go with that fanfare, the South Korean brand unveiled its flagship 98-inch Neo-QLED 8K TV with a Dolby Atmos system, as well as its first-ever 89-inch Micro LED TV. There was also hands-on opportunity with Samsung's new The Freestyle 2nd Gen projector. 

Sennheiser
Sennheiser launched its a more compact and affordable version of its iconic Ambeo soundbar, the fittingly named Ambeo Mini (read our review now). They also unveiled two new colourways for its excellent Momentum 4 headphones (Denim and Black Copper), as well as a further wearable surprise that, sadly, we can't reveal just yet...

Shokz
Funky name, funky brand. Shokz specialises mainly in sports-related audio wearables and has confirmed its attendance for the Berlin 2023. According to the because Shokz will have a presence at the show to demonstrate their latest product innovations. Maybe something bone-conduction related..?

Shure
American audio brand Shure is also part of the IFA ShowStoppers event, showcasing the brand new Aonic 50 Gen 2 wireless over-ear headphones with spatial audio and hybrid ANC. The brand's wired in-ears, such as the Award-winning Aonic 3, have been big hits with us in the last few years, so this new model could definitely make a big splash.

Toshiba
Toshiba's appearance at IFA has been a case of teasing the crowd rather than giving them what they actually want. When we were kindly invited to snoop around the company's official stand, and while nothing was officially announced or released, there were teases of multiple TV concepts that had us wishing they were more than just prototypes. Maybe one day...

Urbanista
Urbanista specialises in trendy designs and, more recently, innovative products utilising light as their predominant source of power. Following its Los Angeles over-ear headphones and Phoenix earbuds, the light-powered Malibu portable Bluetooth speaker is the latest Urbanista product to utilise innovative Powerfoyle light-reactive technology courtesy of Exeger. We got a hands-on feel at this year's event, and thankfully that feared blackout across Berlin didn't materialise.

Yamaha
Japanese brand Yamaha is, a little like fellow compatriots Sony, jacks of all trades and masters of quite a few, excelling as makers of fine pianos, electric guitars, headphones, amplifiers, soundbars and much more. Yamaha has announced not one but two products at IFA 2023: the entry-level R-N600A network receiver and MusicCast 200 desktop audio system, an exciting double-whammy that delivers a whole bunch of streaming conveniences in two distinct hi-fi packages. 

Xgimi
A new projector dubbed the "Horizon Ultra" has been Xgimi's big reveal, even if that surprise was rather ruined thanks to a picture of said projector and a countdown to its full unveiling taking pride of place on the Xgimi website. The Ultra promises to be "The World’s First 4K Long-Throw Home Projector with Dolby Vision" (a coveted title), so we'll keep you updated as we look to hunt one down. 

Xperi (DTS and TiVo)
Xperi, the American multinational software company that develops platforms and solutions for consumer electronics, boasted two showcases at its well-furnished IFA stand. Not only were we treated to a taster of DTS Play-Fi's wireless immersive audio expansion with 12-channel home theatre support, we also glimpsed TiVo's multi-level viewing platform, complete with smart voice control, from the company's neat little demo rooms.

When is IFA 2023?

• What is IFA 2023? Internationale FunkAusstellung Berlin is one of the biggest (and oldest) global annual trade shows for consumer electronics and home appliances.
• IFA 2023 dates: Friday 1st to Tuesday 5th September
• IFA 2023 location: Messe Berlin, Germany

What to expect at IFA 2023

This year's IFA continues the world's return to 'normalcy' following the disruption of the global COVID pandemic. Present at 2023's event are 26 full main halls of exhibitors across a 130,000sq m space (the unrelentingly functional Messe Exhibition Centre in Berlin), welcoming roughly 2059 brands from 48 countries to mingle alongside a rather whopping 180,000 visitors from 144 nations. 

Much of the familiar exhibits and events from last year's showcase return, although there are novel tweaks that make 2023's effort a distinct experience, including not only more brands and showcases but three Tesla cars, a Starlink satellite demo and the Berlin Tech Week festival, a city-wide project that sees IFA break from the confines of the Messe and onto the 'streets' of the German capital.   

For the first time ever, IFA now has a 'Sustainability Village' with an on-site 'Mend and Repair Shop' where users can take (most) electronic goods to be, as the name suggests, spruced up a little. 

IFA Next is back this year as a rather pleasing way for startups to showcase their ideas within the Messe's hallowed halls, something that proved a big success last time around. There's even a House of Robots for those of us obsessed, or indeed unconvinced, by the notion that James Cameron's apocalyptic, Terminator-esque view of the future is very much on the way, albeit with more automated vacuum cleaners and fewer killer automatons made of weapons-grade titanium alloy.

For all the controversies and heartbreak that have dogged the World Cup, Qatar 2022 has enthralled soccer fans everywhere. This Sunday, it's the World Cup final – Argentina vs France. Or as some pundits are calling it, Messi vs Mbappe. Need a Qatar 2022 soccer stream? You've come to the right place.

We've got you covered with how to watch all the best World Cup final soccer streams, because this is a match you really don't want to miss. We're down to just two teams, after France beat Morocco 2-0 and Argentina toppled Croatia 3-0 in the semis. Who will prevail at Lusail Stadium on Sunday?

The early team news is in and it's not good for France. A mysterious flu-like illness that has been spreading through the France squad has hit a third player. Kingsley Coman is now in doubt for Sunday's huge World Cup final clash. Adrien Rabiot and Dayot Upamecano, who both fell ill prior to the Wednesday's win over Morocco, are said to be recovering well.

Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina team kicked off their Qatar 2022 campaign with a shock 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia but quickly recovered, overpowering Australia in the last 16 and the Netherlands in the quarters . A dream World Cup final now awaits Argentina captain Messi, 35, who has played in five World Cups for his country but has never won the trophy. Can he cap off a glittering career with football's biggest prize?

France and Argentina are both aiming for their third World Cup win. France were victorious at Russia 2018 and on home turf in 1998, while Argentina won at Mexico 1986 and at home in 1978.

If you want to watch World Cup final 2022 in all its glory from anywhere on the planet, then you're in the right place – with and without cable, in 4K HDR and even for free. Read on to find out how to watch World Cup 2022 final wherever you are in the world, which soccer streams you need and how to use a VPN if you're abroad at the moment and are looking to watch the World Cup football in Qatar.

Watch World Cup final 2022

We're down to the last game at Qatar 2022. Here is how to watch the World Cup 2022 final, with all the latest information on the upcoming live streams below:

Sunday 18th December 2022:

Watch Argentina vs France live stream – 3pm GMT (BBC iPlayer/ITVX) / 10am EST (FOX)

Watch World Cup final 2022 free

Watch World Cup final 2022 for free on BBC iPlayer and ITVX and you'll get some of the most reliable and best quality soccer streams around. iPlayer will show the final in 4K HDR too, complete with good quality English commentary. Both streaming services are available to UK citizens even when you're out of the country.

Use a VPN to watch World Cup 2022 final free from abroad.

You will need to do this if you're a licence fee-paying Brit on their travels, otherwise you'll find yourself geo-blocked when trying to watch World Cup 2022 final from iPlayer and ITVX outside the UK.

We recommend ExpressVPN for the job. It's safe, reliable and offers a cast-iron 30-day money-back guarantee. Full details on ExpressVPN and how to use it just below...

Watch World Cup final 2022 from anywhere

You won't be able to watch World Cup final 2022 on your regular soccer stream service while traveling abroad. It will spot that you're in a foreign country and block you. You can use a VPN (virtual private network) to get around this, though.

It's a straightforward piece of software which sets your device to appear as if it's in the right country, allowing you to watch any World Cup live stream from anywhere in the world.

We rate ExpressVPN as the best VPN. It offers a 30-day guarantee for all your money back if you're not happy with the service.

How to use a VPN for the World Cup final 2022

1. Install the VPN of your choice. ExpressVPN is the one we recommend.

2. Open up the VPN app and choose the location of the service you wish to access. To watch World Cup final 2022 free, you may wish to choose 'UK' for BBC and ITV.

3. Then head over to BBC / ITV on your browser or device and enjoy the free World Cup final 2022 live streams!

Watch World Cup final 2022 in the USA

In the USA, you'll need Fox Sports to watch the 2022 World Cup final. Don't have cable? No problem. Respected streaming services Sling and Fubo TV both offer easy soccer streaming access to FOX and FS1 which are the two World Cup 2022 TV channels you'll need.

Remember, though, if you're a UK citizen abroad, you can use a VPN to watch World Cup 2022 free on iPlayer and ITVX.

Spanish-speaking cordcutters can stream every game, including the final, live on Peacock Premium (from $5/month).

Watch World Cup final 2022 in Canada

Cable network TSN has the rights to watch the 2022 World Cup final in Canada. That means that Canadians will need to add TSN to their cable TV package or subscribe to TSN for streaming-only for $19.99 a month or $199.90 per year.

FuboTV subscribers will not be able to watch World Cup 2022, unlike those in the US. That said, if you're a US citizen away from home and in Canada, you can use a VPN to watch World Cup 2022 on FuboTV while away, just like you would normally.

Watch World Cup final 2022 in Australia

If you're in Australia, local streaming service SBS on Demand will provide live coverage from Qatar to let you watch World Cup final 2022 Down Under.

Stuck away from your home in Oz at the moment? You'll need to use a VPN to access the free SBS live stream without being geo-blocked.

Watch World Cup final 2022 in UK

Viewers in the UK can watch the World Cup final 2022 live on the BBC, ITV, BBC iPlayer, ITVX, STV and STV Player. You can also watch with Welsh commentary on S4C.

Although the BBC and ITV have been alternating games, both channels will broadcast the 2022 World Cup final live on at 3pm GMT on 18th December.

Watch World Cup 2022 in 4K

Fans in the USA can stream the World Cup final  in 4K HDR via Fubo TV while Fox subscribers can watch in 4K HDR on television. Comcast Xfinity X1 subscribers can watch in 4K with Dolby Vision HDR. Happy with re-runs? Free streaming service Tubi will make the final available in 4K 30 minutes after the final whistle has blown.

In the UK, the BBC has streamed the "majority" of its 33 live games in 4K Ultra HD and HDR, and we'd expect Sunday's final to join that cohort.

Take a look at our full guide for all the details on watching World Cup 2022 in 4K HDR.

World Cup 2022: not been watching?

In case you've been living under a rock for the past week, let's rundown what's been happening at the World Cup 2022.

Group Stage

Lionel Messi's Argentina came into the tournament unbeaten in their past 36 fixtures, but were humbled 2-1 by Saudi Arabia in one of the greatest shocks in World Cup history. Ranked outside FIFA's top 50, the Green Falcons swooped to a stunning victory thanks to Salem Al Dawsari's sublime skill and devilish shot from the edge of the area which hooped around goalkeeper Emi Martinez.

What followed were more slide tackles than you'd see on a Sunday League quagmire, but the Saudis deserved their victory and stood a great chance of making the last 16. Sadly, it was not to be. What followed for the Green Falcons were two successive defeats, first to a stubborn Poland and second to some fine moments from a Mexico team that took their chances when presented. That same courageous attacking game that had humbled Argentina left them all too open to more defensive opponents.

Robert Lewandowski's Poland were the team that made it through to the knockouts, despite losing to Argentina in their final game, and it got seriously tense for about 20 minutes. While the scores in both games were 2-0, Poland were two yellow cards or an Argentina or Mexico goal away from being knocked out. Drawing lots looked like a serious possibility. So, Group C ended with Messi's hopes of lifting the World Cup once more alive, and Lewandowski finally picking up his very first goal at the World Cup finals.

So, Argentina rolled on, despite that shock in their first game, but there was one big giant already slain in the Gulf. Germany took an early lead against Japan in Group E but an uncharacteristic lack of killer instinct from the four-time winners meant Hansi Flick's side succumbed to a vibrant Samurai Blue 2-1 to lose their first game of a World Cup for the second tournament running.

Like Argentina's struggles in recent tournaments, the Germans looked weighed down by history but in Jamal Musiala have one of the finest youngsters in the tournament. Indeed he and Die Mannschaft managed to shake off that expectation and play with freedom and verve and against a vey good Spain side in what was one of the highest quality games of the tournament so far. The two shared the points and that looked enough for Germany after Costa Rica beat Japan but things took a nasty twist.

Speaking of Spain, la Roja produced the performance of the first round of matches with a 7-0 shellacking of a hapless Costa Rica. No team in the tournament can match Sergio Busquets, Pedri and Gavi for such a mix of style, vision and tactical awareness and, though the former is old enough to be the other two's father, they combine with beautiful ease.

Right-winger Ferran Torres will be glad to have scored twice in the fixture, not least to stay in the good books of coach Luis Enrique, who is the father of his girlfriend Sira, a professional show-jumper. That said, Enrique will always play Ferran, "otherwise my daughter will come after me and chop off my head", he says. That said, it took the introduction of a real centre forward, Alvaro Morata, to get the ball in the net against Germany in a game that the Spanish squad, rightly or wrongly, will feel they should have won.

Spain will probably feel the same way, and quite justifiably, about their final group game against Japan. Having led 1-0 in a first half that they utterly dominated, La Roja somehow contrived to lose 2-1. Goalkeeper Unai Simón didn't exactly look blameless after failing to save Ritsu Doan's shot, having got a solid hand to the ball, but the second goal is the one that will go down in German and Japanese footballing folklore for very different reasons.

The cross for Ao Tanaka's finish looked to have been struck with the ball very much over the byline but it was given nonetheless. The Samurai Blue held on for an impressive 40 minutes to send the Germans packing from the group stages for two World Cups in a row, despite Die Mannschaft's win over Costa Rica. Cue on-pitch celebrations for the Samurai Blue as if they'd won the whole tournament. If they can beat Spain and Germany, why not Brazil and France too?

The third big shock of World Cup 2022 came in the second round of Group F fixtures when Belgium's golden generation were taken down by two late goals from Morocco. This was not the tonic after an insipid opening game display when the Red Devils beat an exciting looking Canada 1-0. Sadly, the Canadians are now World Cup toast despite scoring one of the fastest goals in World Cup history against Croatia. The Vatreni responded with four of their own putting them on top Group F, on level points with Morocco.

Indeed it was these two that ended up qualifying for the last 16 after Belgium failed to find the net, despite ample opportunity, in their 0-0 final group game with Croatia. A 2-1 win for Morocco against Canada meant that the Atlas Lions topped the group. 

Over in Group B, England looked good in their 6-2 victory over Iran but World Cup bogey team USA proved another thorn in the Three Lions' paw as the world witnessed a contender for most boring game of the tournament, in week one. Gareth Southgate's tactics left England's creative middle too understaffed to break down the USMNT's three-man midfield, and what chances that came from the flanks were well defended by the Americans. The nation called for change and they got it as England took down Wales 3-0 in their final Group B game to qualify top. A 4-3-3 of their own, involving Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson, did the trick with the two Manchester men proving their worth. They scored all three goals.

Sadly, that meant goodbye for Wales, both to the World Cup and their golden generation which has put Welsh football back on the map. Gareth Bale left the field at half-time. His days turning out for the Dragons look numbered. Time for the FAW to rip it up and start again.

It was a sad farewell for Iran too, who went down 1-0 to a late goal from the US. Christian Pulisic proved the heartbreaker as tearful Iranians left the tournament to head back to a country in political turmoil. The players caved under pressure to sing their national anthem at the start of the game having refused to do so in support of anti-government protests back home in their previous Group B matches. Their moment at Qatar 2022 will not be forgotten.

Also in good form are France who were the first team through to the knockouts after dispatching both Australia and Denmark. Spoilt man-child Kylian Mbappe has been at his zippy best, scoring once and providing a delicious back flick in the build up to Olivier Giroud's tap-in first. The evergreen former Arsenal and Chelsea forward has now surpassed Thierry Henry's France record, despite many doubting whether he is actually any good or not. Impossibly handsome and good at football: some people get all the fun. Les Bleus may have Karim Benzema, Paul Pogba and N'Golo Kante injured, but they still look one of the teams to beat.

It's the Socceroos who joined Les Bleus in the knockouts after Australia beat Denmark, despite Tunisia running things seriously close with victory over France.

When Richarlison pulls on a Brazil shirt, he turns into Pele. He may only have one goal for Tottenham since his summer move from Everton, but when the 25-year-old wears canary yellow he becomes a beast. His brace against Serbia – the second a ludicrous touch and scissor volley without the ball touching the ground – mean he has nine goals in his last seven internationals for a country who look eerily good and potentially the team to beat. The only chance anyone else has is if goalkeeper Alisson's decision to shave off his beard has some kind of Samson-like effect on his play.

It wasn't Richarlison who scored the only goal as Brazil beat Switzerland 1-0 to qualify for the knockouts, nor was it Vincius Junior, Neymar, Jesus nor anyone of their embarrassment of riches in attack. It was the lesser-striking but ever-necessary Casemiro that had the honours. Elsewhere in Group G, Serbia and Cameroon played out an incredible 3-3 draw, leaving second place in that pool very much up for grabs.

That set things up nicely for another shock in final Group G games. Cameroon took down the mighty Brazil 1-0 with an injury time goal from Vincent Aboubakar. It was the first shot on target that anyone had registered against Brazil in the whole tournament. Aboubakar, who was on a yellow card, quite rightly took off his shirt and swung it about his head as he celebrated with his fans, only to have to head over to the referee, give the official a high-five and accept his second yellow and leave the field. Doubtless a moment which will go down in World Cup legend but sadly it was all for nought with Switzerland's victory over Serbia in the other game consigning the Indomitable Lions to third place in the group despite their historic win.

The game of the first week was probably Portugal 3-2 Ghana in Group H. Goalless after 65 minutes, all hell broke loose after Cristiano Ronaldo became the first man to score in five different World Cups with a nerveless penalty. Ghana equalised, Portugal then went 3-1 ahead – goalscorer Joao Felix was six when CR7 scored in his first tournament in 2006 – only for the Black Stars to shoot back with an 89th-minute strike. In the dying moments, a quick piece of thinking from Inaki Williams – who channelled his inner Dion Dublin in hiding behind Selecao keeper Diogo Costa to spring out and nearly dispossess him – nearly secured an improbable draw.

Portugal's passage to the knockouts was confirmed when they beat Uruguay 2-0 in a fascinating game that neither deserved to lose. The Europeans can thank a lock of Ronaldo's hair and one of the cruelest handball penalty decisions you could imagine. La Celeste still had fate almost entirely in their own hands, however. A win in their final game against second-placed Ghana would do the trick, so long as South Korea didn't beat Portugal by more goals than Uruguay could manage, or the same number. 

It's wasn't an easy one to imagine after the tepid performance of Son Heung-min and his countrymen in their 3-2 loss to the Black Stars but, guess what? That's exactly what happened. While Ghana didn't quite manage to get their revenge on Luis Suarez for 2010 – they lost to Uruguay 2-0 – South Korea took down Portugal 2-1 thanks to an injury time winner from Hwang Hee-chan. That left Uruguay and the Koreans on the same points, with the same goal difference and a draw in their head-to-head record, meaning that South Korea qualified with more goals scored.

Perhaps the best story came in Switzerland's 1-0 win against Cameroon, where Breel Embolo scored the winner but didn't celebrate after scoring against the country of his birth. Sure, there have been a few 0-0 Christmas turkeys – the less said about Poland vs Mexico the better, while Belgium were so bad despite beating Canada 1-0 they must appear here – but this footballing jamboree never fails to disappoint and World Cup 2022 has been no different. With the group stages over it was time to head to the knockouts. With the last 16 up next, Qatar 2022 is shaping up very nicely indeed.

Last 16

It was then over to the knockouts where the quiet but confident Netherlands team took on the USA, with the former having navigated Group A as safe winners thanks in no small part to the stewardship of the hugely experience Louis van Gaal.

Cody Gakpo and Frenkie de Jong has consigned Qatar to a 2-0 defeat in the final group encounter. That loss sealed another unwanted record for the hosts who left the contest as the only home nation in history to have failed to have registered a goal at the finals.

It was another assured showing for the Oranje who had things largely done and dusted by the end of the first half when they led 2-0. While Gakpo didn't manage to get on the scoresheet – he has scored in every game up until then – the Netherlands simply out-classed their none-too-shabby opposition. The game finished 3-1, the USMNT went home and people began talking about this Dutch team in a much more serious light.

That same day Argentina took on a plucky Australia that had finished second in Group D, and they certainly gave Messi and his men a run for their money. Two goals up, courtesy of Messi and Julian Alvarez, Argentina were cruising until an Australian shot from outside the box took a wicked deflection and found its way into Emiliano Martínez's net. It was then backs to the wall for the Albicelestes as the Socceroos piled on the pressure, with Garang Kuol coming seriously close to an injury time equaliser. That's the way it finished, though, and Argentina celebrated in front of their fans as if they'd made it to the final. They'll need a better showing than that in their quarter-final match-up against the Netherlands if they're to get to the showpiece finish, though.

France against Poland was initially not the cake-walk many had expected, at least up until the 44th minute when Olivier Giroud finally became France's all-time top scorer with 52 goals to his name. The eastern europeans had looked arguably the more together team but  it was France's quality that told in the end. France simply outshone them in the second 45 with two top drawer goals from Kylian Mbappe, quickly showing his teammate Giroud that he won't have that record for long. The PSG man's tally stands at 33. He's just 23 years old.

Senegal had finished Group A as runners up, behind the Dutch, after a well-contested 2-1 against Ecuador. They took on England in their last 16 encounter but had to do so without two of their very best players: Sadio Mane and Idrissa Gueye.

The game began a little slow, with the ball very much England's for much of the first half, but it wasn't until the 38th minute that the Three Lions made their possession count when Jordan Henderson turned in Jude Bellingham's cross. Harry Kane secured it with a confident finish when put through on goal just before half-time. Bukayo Saka made it three after the break. England will face an altogether tougher opponent in France in Saturday's quarter-final. The Lions of Teranga will have to roar again another time.

Day three of the knockouts was a chance for Brazil to show the world that everyone else should be scared. Four first-half goals, including two inside the first 15 minutes, put a quick and cruel end to South Korea's World Cup dream. Really, it could have been more. Brazil's irresistible forward line broke through the Korean defence again and again. It seems that the Koreans had turned up to actually play football. So Brazil played football. The consolation goal from substitute Paik Seung-ho was not really much to celebrate.

The earlier game was certainly a much more interesting contest, particularly when Japan's Daizen Maeda opened the scoring just before half-time with a poached goal from a crossed free-kick. Ivan Perisic answered back just after the break with a pin-point header from almost exactly the same situation. Despite chances for both sides, it went on to extra time and ultimately a penalty shootout which Croatia won 3-1 thanks to heroics from goalkeeper Livakovic and some distinctly average Japanese spot kicks. Croatia will need more than that if they're to beat Brazil in the quarter finals.

Quarter-finals

The action started with Croatia vs Brazil. Croatia had met Brazil four times, losing three and drawing one, so the omens were not good. Neymar opened the scoring but Bruno Petković equalised three minutes from the end, leaving Brazil deflated. Extra time led to penalties and Brazil's first kicker, Rodrygo, has his saved. When Marquinhos sliced his wide, it was all over for favourite Brazil and Croatia moved onto the semi-finals.

Argentina took a 2-0 lead against the Netherlands and appeared to be cruising into the semis... until Wout Weghorst pulled one back in the 83rd minute, then scored another in the 101st minute. A penalty shoot-out ensured and Argentina made it through after two Dutch players missed from the spot.

Portugal vs Morocco was a huge match for many reasons. Could Morocco become the first African team to make it into a World Cup semi-final? Yes they could. Youssef En-Nesyri put Morocco 1-0 ahead in the 42nd minute and not even super-sub Cristiano Ronaldo could get an equaliser.

England vs France, the last of the quarter-finals, was a real heartbreaker. France pulled 1-0 ahead in the first half, but England's Kyle Walker continued to shut down France Kylian Mbappe, and Bukayo Saka won a penalty for England. Captain Harry Kane beat Hugo Lloris with a net-buster. But it was not England's day – France's Olivier Giroud scored again in the 78th minute and Harry Kane missed his chance to level the match after Bukayo Saka won a penalty. The whistle blew and France became the first reigning world champions to reach the World Cup semi-finals since Brazil in 1998.

Semi-finals

Argentina and Croatia was a cagey semi-final. Each team had won two previous meetings, and with a place in the World Cup final at stake, nobody wanted to put a foot wrong. The game opened up after Messi banged in a penalty and then linked up with Álvarez, who scored in the 39th and 69th minute. Croatia went for all-out attacked but it wasn't enough. The game ended 3-0 to Argentina, who made it into the World Cup final

France vs Morocco was a real thriller. France's Theo Hernandez fired in a cracking volley after four minutes and 39 seconds, to clock the second-fastest goal in World Cup semi-final history.  Morocco's rock-solid defense stayed strong but France eventually won 2-0 to set up a final against Argentina.

• Best TVs
• Best speaker

Watching the FIFA World Cup 2022 in glorious 4K HDR is easier than you'd think. Both the UK and India have free live 4K HDR streams, providing fans of high resolution football a truly world-class viewing experience. Away from your home in the UK or India right now? You'll need to use a VPN for watching the World Cup in 4K HDR from abroad. Read on for full details, including France vs Australia on BBC iPlayer.

Qatar might have lost its opening match but the 2022 World Cup has plenty to more action to offer. The world's top 32 football teams, featuring the likes of Messi, Ronaldo and Neymar, will play 64 matches to decide who gets to take home the famous gold trophy, and, at What Hi-Fi?, there is absolutely no question in our minds that the world greatest soccer spectacle deserves to be watched and streamed in 4K HDR.

Thankfully, a handful of global broadcasters are showing for the ball on this one and will provide top quality HDR streams, ensuring that fans can get a 4K football fix during the first ever winter World Cup. But, be warned, not all 4K streams are equal, not all devices support it, and getting all of that high-res action doesn't come without its costs. 

Naturally you'll need a 4K HDR TV or 4K HDR projector to enjoy 4K HDR content, so if you don't have the right kit, that should be your first priority. US fans with an Xfinity X1 subscription and a Dolby Vision TV can watch in Dolby Vision HDR. 

Already sorted? Read on and we'll show you what you need to know for watching the 2022 World Cup in 4K HDR and exactly which services you'll want to use.

Watching FIFA World Cup 2022 in 4K HDR for free

In the UK, BBC iPlayer will show all of its 2022 World Cup matches for free and in 4K HDR. That's 33 games including three round of 16 games, two quarter-finals, at least one semi-final and the World Cup final 2022 in 4K HDR too. It's worth noting that these are native 4K resolution streams. They should offer some of the best World Cup 2022 coverage out there.

The only downside is that, if previous tournaments are anything to go by, the streams are often delayed by about 30 seconds. So, if anyone nearby is watching or listening on another device, they'll know about the goals before you do. You have been warned.

The other thing to watch out for is that not all devices support the BBC iPlayer app in 4K HDR. The list of iPlayer 4K-enabled kit is pretty extensive but a few notable absentees are the Xbox, web browsers and mobile phones.

Another option for free coverage is the JioCinema app in India which says it will show every World Cup match for free and in 4K. 

Abroad during World Cup 2022? Use a VPN BBC iPlayer or JioCinema in 4K while away from home.

We recommend ExpressVPN as it comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. Full details on how to use a VPN just below.

Watch a World Cup 2022 live stream in 4K HDR from anywhere

You won't be able to watch your local World Cup 2022 live stream in 4K HDR while traveling abroad. The streaming service will spot that you're in a foreign country and block you. You can use a VPN (virtual private network) to get around this, though.

It's a straightforward piece of software which sets your device to appear as if it's in the right country, allowing you to watch any World Cup 2022 live stream from anywhere in the world.

We rate ExpressVPN as the best VPN for watching the World Cup 2022 in 4K HDR. It offers a 30-day guarantee for all your money back if you're not happy with the service.

USA: Watching the World Cup 2022 in 4K HDR

In the United States, Fox Sports has confirmed that it will air every match in 4K HDR but it's worth noting that Fox's 4K streams are in fact upscales of its 1080p HDR feeds and not native 4K. If you're after the very highest quality - 4K with Dolby Vision – you'll need to subscribe to Comcast's pricey Xfinity X1 cable-and-streaming service.

Nonetheless, you can watch Fox's 4K World Cup 2022 games on the Fox Sports and Fox Now apps as well as Fubo TV. You won't get 4K through Fox on web browsers or mobiles. These are the Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV and Roku devices that are 4K-compatible with Fox.

Interestingly, FuboTV has a far wider selection of 4K-compatible devices, including mobile phones. You'll be able to see all the World Cup 2022 games on FS1 and Fox through FuboTV in 4K. You'll need the FuboTV Elite plan at $79.99 per month but don't forget that there's a 7-day free trial to make sure you like it.

Matches will also be live on Peacock Premium in Spanish, but only in 1080p HD – not 4K Ultra HD.

Lastly, if you're happy with re-runs, free streaming app Tubi will be making games available to watch in 4K around 30 minutes after the final whistle has blown.   

Australia: Can I get World Cup 2022 in 4K HDR?

If you're in Australia, local streaming service SBS on Demand will provide live coverage of the Qatar World Cup. But the broadcast makes no mention of 4K HDR, so it sounds like Aussies are out of luck.

Don't forget: licence-paying UK fans can watch most matches, including the World Cup, final free in 4K HDR on BBC iPlayer while fans in India can watch every match free in 4K HDR on JioCinema.

Always use a VPN to access these services when travelling outside of the UK/India.

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• How to set-up a home cinema in your garden

Onkyo has announced a number of new on-ear and in-ear headphones at IFA 2015 in Berlin, with a big emphasis on wireless Bluetooth functionality.

Most intriguing of all is the W800BT, an in-ear design Onkyo claims is the world's first truly wireless earbud. Certainly there are no wires at all associated with the W800BTs - the left and right earbuds communicate with each other, and with your smartphone/portable music player/what-have-you, entirely wirelessly.

Battery charging takes place in the supplied carry-case, and Onkyo suggests 12 hours of wireless music playback is realistic from a single charge.

The W800BTs go on sale in November this year and will cost around €300. See them in action in our video below.

The rest of the new in-ear range consists of the E700BT (€150, shown below), E300BT (€130) and E200BT (€80).

These aren’t, strictly speaking, wireless as they each have a single cable containing the battery and in-line remote with mic, but they all feature wireless Bluetooth functionality and are available in black or white. The two more expensive models also include NFC one-touch pairing.

There are two new on-ear models, the H500M (€180) and H500BT (€230). Fundamentally the H500BT (shown top) is a Bluetooth-enabled, wireless version of the H500M, so they are both closed-back designs housing 40mm drivers.

Both are certified ‘High Resolution’ by both the US Consumer Electronics Association and the Japan Audio Society thanks to their 7Hz – 40kHz frequency response. But (and it’s a reasonably big ‘but’) the H500BT only reach this standard when hard-wired using the supplied 1.2m cable, rather than when operating wirelessly.

MORE: Onkyo reveals X9 speaker and new headphones

If the news has so far passed you by, you may be interested to hear that Brazil is hosting a footballing shindig this summer and it's getting started in less than a week. In past years, it hasn't been uncommon for the World Cup to be a testing bed for the latest TV tech.

This summer's tournament is no exception – and this time it's Ultra HD 4K. We've already heard how Sony and FIFA have joined forces to produce three live matches in the format, but now the BBC has confirmed it'll be carrying out broadcast trials, albeit privately.

MORE: Ultra HD 4K TV – news, reviews and everything you need to know

We'll be watching, perhaps not literally, with great interest to see how Ultra HD 4K gets on in Brazil at the 2014 World Cup. But with the countdown to the big kick off nearly at its end, we cast our mind back to past TV milestones to see how we arrived at this stage.

MORE: How to watch the 2014 FIFA World Cup on TV and online

1954: First televised World Cup

(Photo via sports.terra.com)

It wasn't until the fifth World Cup – held in Switzerland – that the TV cameras turned up to capture proceedings. The Eurovision network had gone live, which let the BBC show a handful of games from the tournament to audiences back home.

1958: ITV jumps on the bandwagon

(Photo via goal.com)

Until the launch of ITV in 1955, the BBC had all the aces when it came to British TV. But the fledgling commercial network made its presence felt in 1958 with the start of what is now common dual-network coverage of the tournament.

But if you think live coverage of the World Cup – however restricted – was now a matter of course, 1962 proved otherwise as the technology to broadcast from Chile just wasn't in place. The BBC went solo as delayed coverage two days old was as good as it got.

The first Telstar satellite went live just after the 1962 tournament, but 1966 saw football "come home" and meant that live coverage was almost a formality...

1970: Colour makes its debut

By the time the World Cup went back across the Atlantic in 1970, technology had taken impressive strides forward. It was the first World Cup broadcast live by satellite that had been held outside Europe and the first in glorious colour.

2002: The World Cup goes digital

(Photo: Neal Simpson/Empics via The Guardian)

The 2002 World Cup was the first to be co-hosted by two countries in Japan and South Korea, but perhaps more importantly from a televisual point of view, it was the first to be fully covered in digital – and by HBS, independent of FIFA.

2006: Wide of the mark?

(Photo via footballgeezer.blogspot.co.uk)

High-definition, widescreen and digital – the coverage of the 2006 World Cup was the first "tapeless" tournament. Add to that the fact broadcasters could now access content "at will" from a new Media Server, and times were a-changing.

2010: Three Lions in Three Dimensions

(Photo: AP Photo via sport24.co.za)

Our last milestone is perhaps a warning from history as far as 4K is concerned? 3D TV arrived in South Africa, but has since been dropped by the ESPN and BBC – decisions that have seen the technology put to one side heading towards Brazil.

Will Ultra HD 4K thrive at this year's World Cup? Or will it meet the same fate as 3D? It very much remains to be seen, but the waiting is almost over – for both fans of football and televisual enthusiasts. Let the action begin!

BLOG: Will Ultra HD 4K TV be a winner at the 2014 World Cup

MORE: Best TVs to buy in 2014

The M2Tech HiFace DAC is a little USB stick, is bright orange, sells for just €220, and yet is capable of handling the highest of hi-res music files you can buy. This I had to try…

The booming DAC market shows no sign of slowing: just as CD player users of two decades ago were being encouraged to add a black box to their machines to improve the sound, so the current move to computer-stored music has brought about a DAC revival.

After all, plug your computer into a DAC, and you can play music not only up to CD quality through your system, but – with the right software – in formats way beyond the limitations of the three-decades-old-and-even-then-it-was-outdated 16-bit/44.1Khz of the silver disc.

Not surprising, then, that, DACs everywhere now seem to have USB inputs for a computer, and neither is it a great shock to see the arrival of DAC-on-a-stick devices such as the Award-winning Audioquest DragonFly and Meridian Explorer, both of which combine the functions of DAC and headphone amplifier.

Italian company M2Tech has been making both high-end digital to analogue converters and USB-shaped digital devices for some time, but to date the USB products have been HiFace interfaces designed to convert USB into a high-quality S/PDIF output suitable for connection to a conventional DAC.

The M2Tech HiFace DAC is, as the name suggests, a USB DAC: fitted inside a bright orange shell, it sells for €220 – but this is no ordinary DAC.

Like the best out there, it uses asynchronous USB, in which the master clock for the digital data is provided by the DAC, not the computer's internal clock, so in effect the DAC tells the computer when it needs data, rather than trying to field everything the computer is hurling at it.

OK, but then other similar devices do that, and just about every 'computer' DAC these days has an asynchronous USB port.

Hi-res, all the way to 32-bit/384kHz

What they don't do is handle resolutions all the way up to 32-bit/384kHz: in fact, very few DACs go all the way up there, that small number including some of the full-size models from M2Tech, and I don't know of any other USB-powered device with such capability.

So, what's that got to do with the price of fish? After all, isn't CD quality more than good enough for anyone, not to mention there being precious little higher-resolution music out there to play?

Well, the range of music available in 24-bit/96kHz, 24-bit/192kHz and greater resolutions is growing, and this little DAC – made and tested in Italy, by the way, with every unit subject to listening tests before packing and shipping – is all set to handle just about everything the current or future download music scene can throw at it.

By the way, what the HiFace DAC isn't really designed as is a headphone amplifier, though M2Tech says it may be possible to drive medium- and high-impedance headphones with it, adjusting the level with the computer's controls: really, this unit is designed to to be used into a conventional line input on an amplifier, connected using a cable from its 3.5mm stereo output to the amp's phono sockets.

The output is an entirely standard CD-player-like 2V, and the claimed frequency response is 5Hz-22kHz when using standard 44.1kHz content. Use 384kHz sampled stuff, and you get 5Hz-150kHz.

For some initial listening, I'm sitting here with the HiFace plugged into a MacBook Air via a short USB extension lead – for some reason I get really nervous about having devices like this plugged straight into the computer, just in case of physical accident – and a run of Audioquest cable from its line out to the line-ins on my Naim SuperNait amplifier, which is driving my usual PMC OB1 speakers.

You'll need to load drivers for the DAC on Windows computers, but on Mac and Linux there's no need to install anything: all you have to do is select the M2Tech as the output device. In fact it can even be used with iOS and Android devices via a USB adapter.

I'm listening at home as I am also building and filling a new QNAP TS-221 NAS device – soon to be hands-onned here – and the music is coming from my existing TS-412, being added to an Amarra playlist on the MacBook Air and then being played out to the system.

A word or two about playing this stuff: your standard iTunes just isn't going to be up the job. Living in Mac-world as I am at the moment, thanks to MacBooks being Haymarket standard issue (though the Air is my own), I've been using both Audirvarna (above) and Amarra software players to handle the music, almost of all of which is stored on my NAS in WAV or FLAC, and usually streamed out via the Naim NDS/555PS.

Both software packages are available in free trial versions, with Audirvarna handling content up to 24-bit/192kHz, and Amarra (above) going all the way to 24-bit/384kHz, and both interface simply with the HiFace DAC.

The day started well with Bob Marley in 24-bit/192kHz, took a turn for the more sombre mid-morning courtesy of the new 24-bit/48kHz B&W Society of Sound offering of Berlioz's Grande Messe des Morts – one of Sir Colin Davis's last recordings, with the LSO and choirs in the vast St Paul's Cathedral acoustic – and moved, via a spot of Daft Punk retrodisco in 24-bit/88.2kHz, to some ultra high-res classical music from Norwegian label 2L. In 24-bit/352.8Khz.

How does it sound? Well, to these ears, the answer is 'fabulous': the little orange stick delivers a sound with a presence, power and dynamic freedom I've only encountered with some very expensive digital hardware, and has the bass grunt and control needed to make any rhythm-section-driven music truly exciting.

Detail and definition are a given, and just get more striking the higher the resolution you choose to play, but the real revelation here is how well textures and characteristics of voices and instruments are conveyed, and how well that is achieved while retaining a delicious smoothness and sweetness in the treble.

M2Tech has built quite a reputation for engineering-led value-for-money products pushing the limits of digital sound without ridiculous price-tags, and on this brief audition I'd suggest the HiFace DAC could just turn out to be the company's most significant product to date.

And even better, in that embarrassing moment when someone says 'Is that a high-end digital-to-analogue converter in your pocket, or…?', at least now you'll have an answer.

Written by Andrew Everard

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