By Kim Lewis, Marketing Communications Work Group Chair for Open Connectivity Foundation.

Established as Europe’s go-to consumer electronics conference, Berlin’s IFA 2017 set the stage for the next generation of our increasingly connected digital lives. This year’s event took place earlier this month and featured more than 1,800 exhibitors from companies like, Samsung and LG. From smart home appliances to drones and wearables, the event showed off the latest and greatest consumer technologies set to enter the market in the coming months.

Building on the momentum behind the explosive growth of the Internet of Things, the Open Connectivity Foundation (OCF) joined several members at the event to showcase the need for seamless interoperability behind the connected devices we use in our daily lives.

To kick off the event, OCF President Dr. Matthew Perry took to the stage during Samsung’s “Your New Normal” keynote, highlighting OCF’s continuing efforts in providing an open framework that allows connected devices to communicate effectively with one another, regardless of manufacturer and device type. With more than 20 billion connected devices projected by 2020, a common interface that threads together each and every smart device will be essential in promoting the seamless integration of smart lifestyle products into our lives.

On the show floor, many booths held live demonstrations showing off the newest innovations in smart devices, including OCF-Certified products from multiple members. The Samsung booth demonstrated a full smart home experience with the OCF-Certified Smart Hub and Air Conditioner products, featured alongside connected lifestyle appliances such as vacuum cleaners and automatic smart blinds; all of which were operable from a smartphone interface. The LG booth showcased additional smart home offerings, including a smart refrigerator, the new OCF-Certified Allegro smart plug, and a connected thermostat. Other members including the ULE Alliance and Electrolux participated at the conference as well.

Over the past few months, OCF has been busy building industry momentum and expanding into verticals that are evolving to incorporate IoT. OCF was able to showcase member innovations all across Asia at Computex Taipei, Automotive Linux Summit and CES Asia. The organization announced partnerships with Open Mobile Alliance and Singapore Semiconductor Industry Association, and honored member companies and exemplary individuals with its first annual Outstanding Contributor Awards.

IFA 2017 was another positive step in the right direction for our increasingly digital world; paving the way for a smarter, secure and more connected future. As the Internet of Things continues to grow and flourish, we plan to attend more industry events and continue to promote the OCF vision of a common IoT interoperability standard, and we hope to see you there!