In this latest Internet and Tech Weekly, the headlines are led by IFA Berlin (5–9 September), where smart lighting, robot vacuums and next-gen power banks set the tone for autumn. Apple’s September keynote lands on Tuesday, 9 September, while Google’s latest Android updates bring practical gains to existing phones. In policy, EU enforcement under the DMA continues to shape platform behaviour, and there are fresh signals around Google’s adtech case. Meanwhile Broadcom’s VMware licensing direction remains a budgeting priority for small teams.
IFA Berlin: what matters for everyday buyers and small teams
- Smart lighting grows up. Philips Hue’s broader line-up (including a video doorbell and a new Bridge Pro) points to richer automations. If you are standardising, check Matter support and confirm local control options before you buy.
- Robots get more capable. Stair-climbing and faster charging are headline features. Treat first-gen designs cautiously: look for user-replaceable parts, clear service routes in Spain, and a two-year warranty.
- Portable power turns a corner. Sodium-ion cells promise long cycle life and better cold-weather performance. For vans, pop-ups and events, check inverter ratings and EU certifications.
IFA runs from 5–9 September in Berlin; expect more announcements through the weekend. If you are about to purchase, hold off until end-of-show price drops and bundle deals surface.
Apple: calendar set for Tuesday, 9 September
Apple’s autumn keynote is scheduled for 10:00 PT / 19:00 CEST on Tuesday, 9 September. Expect the iPhone 17 line-up (including the ultra-thin “Air”) plus Apple Watch updates. If you are trading in, back up devices and check Spanish trade-in valuations before the event; prices for current models often move immediately after the keynote.
Google and Android: small updates that save time
Google’s September drop brings Material 3 Expressive styling to older Pixels (2021 onward), AI writing tools in Gboard, and audio sharing across devices. Check for the update under Settings → System → System update, and allow staged rollouts a day or two. Separately, Google’s system release notes cover Play services and Store changes—useful for app stability on work phones.
Brussels watch: DMA and adtech currents
The Commission’s DMA breach findings against Apple and Meta from April remain the enforcement backdrop. This week also brought reporting that the Commission paused a planned Google adtech fine, signalling the politics around transatlantic tech enforcement. For small advertisers in Spain, assume no immediate ad-stack changes; keep creative and targeting tests live across at least two platforms.
Social media mix: Instagram’s EU momentum
Meta’s latest DSA transparency update suggests Instagram’s EU growth outpacing Facebook by roughly 10 times. If your organic posts skew older on Facebook, consider shifting short-form and product reels to Instagram while maintaining customer support on Messenger and WhatsApp.
VMware after Broadcom: plan for the new maths
Broadcom has trailed licensing changes affecting hyperscalers from 1 November 2025. Combined with recent pricing moves, many SMEs are reassessing estates or piloting alternatives. Immediate actions:
- Audit core counts and renewal dates.
- Model a twelve-month run-rate under new SKUs.
- Test migration paths (AVS, Nutanix, Proxmox) for one non-critical workload.
Quick hits
- Smart home buyers: prioritise devices with Matter over Thread or reliable local APIs you can actually use. IFA launches will claim both; read the fine print.
- Content planning: expect Apple headlines to dominate Spanish and UK tech press early next week—schedule your own announcements accordingly.
Pocket Snapshot — IFA weekend game plan
If you have 30 minutes: watch for IFA day-two and day-three roundups to catch late arrivals (phones, tablets, smart home).
If you are buying: keep a shortlist and compare show-week bundles versus Amazon.es prices the following Wednesday.
If you are attending remotely: follow one live blog and one manufacturer newsroom; do not chase every stream. Expect further drops through 9 September.