Berlin's IFA 2026 showcases next-gen Wi-Fi, ultra-bright projectors, and smarter home AI

IFA's annual gathering in Berlin this week attracts more than 200,000 visitors and ranks as Europe's premier destination for major hardware launches. The trade show runs September 4–8, though significant product reveals typically break in the days immediately before public doors open.

Wi-Fi 8 networking reaches consumers#

TP-Link is pushing forward with the first commercial devices built around the emerging Wi-Fi 8 standard—even though the underlying IEEE 802.11bn specification remains incomplete. The company unveiled two products at IFA: the Archer 8 Ultra, a tri-band router with 18 internal antennas that delivers up to 19 Gbps wireless throughput and 10 Gbps over wired links, and the Deco 8 Ultra mesh system, capable of 22 Gbps wireless and 10 Gbps wired connectivity.

TP-Link frames these devices as addressing "connectivity problems people actually notice" rather than chasing raw speed metrics. The Deco 8 Ultra three-pack covers up to 9,800 square feet and can handle more than 200 connected devices. Regional pre-orders begin September 30th.

Projectors gain brightness and gaming credentials#

JMGO's Iris Ultra Max—a 4K 120Hz all-in-one Google TV projector now rolling out internationally after earlier availability in China—leans into the competitive push for brighter, faster displays. The device achieves 6,500 ISO lumens through a triple-laser engine, setting a new bar after 6,000 lumens models were considered cutting-edge just twelve months ago.

The standout feature is a dual-iris optical system that creates a 10,000:1 native contrast ratio. By positioning two separate physical apertures at different points within the optical path, JMGO controls light scatter and brightness more aggressively than conventional single-iris designs can manage. That combination of brightness and 120Hz refresh rates targets competitive gaming and sports viewing—segments where projector adoption has historically lagged behind traditional displays.

Smart homes get conversational AI#

LG is introducing ThinQ Claw (a play on the term "OpenClaw"), an AI agent designed to orchestrate connected devices and services across smart home ecosystems. Building on LG's 2024 acquisition of Homey, the chatbot aims to parse user intent and context, then coordinate tasks across both LG's appliance lineup and third-party products. It will debut as a working demonstration at IFA this week.