World Tech Fair Excites Gadget Lovers

The world’s largest consumer electronics fair, the IFA, kicked off in Berlin, Germany on Friday.

Around 441 exhibitors are taking part in this 51st IFA show, with many focusing on 3D technology, especially giant televisions and new tablets.

Visitors tried out Sony's new tablet computers. Sony is late to the game with its first tablet, more than a year and a half after Apple launched the blockbuster iPad and almost a year since Samsung came out with the GalaxyTab.

But the eager testers still seemed impressed with the newest tablet.

[Tomo Hirokukita, IFA Visitor]:
"It's very good I think. It's very fast and a very good experience for me."

Also on show is the so-called "Smart TV"–a new concept integrating television and the internet. Viewers can access the internet through the television set and create their own individual program lists.

But those visiting the event's public day said they were mostly happy to see new technologies relevant in their everyday lives.

[Gisela Krug, IFA Visitor]:
"It's always really nice to see new technologies. I think it is interesting that the trade fair is aimed more at consumers, so you can see what's going on with mobile phones. I am thinking about getting a new one. My sons have them already. It's nice to be able to try things out and get advice from experts. I can really recommend it."

[Erhard Krop, IFA Visitor]:
"It is interesting for me to see what amazing progress has been made in the consumer sector – and also in the sector of modern electronics. For an old man it's a really great experience."

The IFA trade fair runs until September 7.