Berlins gigantic IFA consumer electronics fair opens this week, with the shadow of Apple looming large even if the iconic US brand traditionally snubs the event. IFA, one of Europes biggest showcases of the latest electronic gadgets, is scheduled to open on September 5 and run until September 10. Mobile phone makers increasingly announce more things at the IFA than in the past, because they want to unveil their products before Apple gets all the attention of the media, said Ian Fogg, analyst at IHS. Famously secretive Apple has offered scant clues about a possible new product in emailed invitations to the September 9 event.