This year’s Mobile World Congress has a wealth of offerings.
The Mobile World Congress in Barcelona has perennially served as the global stage for showcasing the pinnacle of mobile technology, and this year’s event lives up to that reputation. From cutting-edge phones, sleek laptops, and futuristic smartwatches to daring concept devices and even robotic companions, the array of innovations on display is staggering. Amidst the excitement, some unveilings have truly pushed the boundaries, introducing groundbreaking features that demand recognition.
Here are our top products from MWC 2024 that the show has to offer
Motorola wearable- smartphone concept
Motorola has previously impressed us with unique phone concepts, but its latest creation is especially captivating. This bendable phone can curve around itself, enabling it to be worn like a bracelet when not in use and easily unfolded into a regular phone when needed.
There’s an undeniably futuristic feel to wearing your technology in this manner, and we’re truly intrigued by it. If nothing else, it frees up pocket space for more snacks. Unfortunately, it’s currently only a concept, so don’t anticipate it being available for purchase anytime soon.
Samsung provided a glimpse of its Galaxy Ring in January, but the device made its tangible debut at MWC, where select individuals were given the opportunity to try it on privately. While many of the Ring’s key features and specifications are still under wraps, it’s confirmed to emphasize sleep tracking, heart-rate monitoring, and tracking of menstrual and fertility cycles.
While smartwatches have long provided such functionalities, it’s thrilling to witness health-tracking technology integrated into smaller, more inconspicuous devices like this, offering an alternative to those who prefer not to wear a large watch while sleeping.
AI has been omnipresent at MWC, making its way into phones, laptops, and even into peculiar robot arms with facial features. However, the Humane AI Pin stands out as a novel application of this technology, surprising us with its ingenuity.
OnePlus introduced the OnePlus Watch 2, showcasing several upgrades over its predecessor launched in April 2021. The new smartwatch boasts a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels and a peak brightness of up to 600 nits. Powering the latest OnePlus Watch 2 is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5 SoC paired with the BES 2700 MCU Efficiency chipset.
The newest smartwatch comes with a 500 mAh battery, promising up to 100 hours of battery life in ‘smart mode’ and up to 48 hours of battery life under ‘heavy use’. OnePlus states that the Watch 2 can be fully charged in 60 minutes using a 7.5W VOOC fast charger.
The Pin is a small square that magnetically attaches to your jacket. You can interact with it, ask questions, and utilize it for various tasks. During our demonstration, we saw how it can translate languages and perform basic functions like currency conversion. Moreover, it learns your speaking style to send natural-sounding messages when you text friends and family.
Unlike a typical phone accessory, the Pin operates independently, with its own phone number. It provides answers audibly, using a simulated voice, or by projecting text or images onto your hand using lasers. It’s undeniably cool and showcases the innovative potential of AI.
A mobile-tech show wouldn’t be complete without an exciting mobile phone announcement, and Xiaomi’s 14 Ultra fits the bill as one of the most technologically advanced phones we’ve encountered. It boasts a strong focus on photography, featuring a multi-rear-camera setup that includes a large, 1-inch-type image sensor with a variable aperture, as well as lens elements co-engineered with the renowned camera manufacturer Leica.
While we haven’t had the opportunity to extensively test the Xiaomi 14 Ultra’s photography capabilities yet, we have high expectations for its potential as a photography powerhouse. Additionally, it is equipped with the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, a 5,000mAh battery, 90-watt fast charging, and IP68 waterproofing. Even without considering the camera, these specifications position it strongly against any other flagship devices launched this year.
Xiaomi isn’t just showcasing phones at this year’s MWC; it’s also unveiling its brand-new electric car, the Xiaomi SU7. This EV not only boasts a stunning design, with its sleek, sporty look and vibrant blue paint, but it also offers some impressive performance figures.
Xiaomi claims a zero-to-60-mph speed of just 2.78 seconds, thanks to custom-built electric motors. The company also suggests the SU7 will achieve over 470 miles of range per charge, potentially making it one of the best-performing EVs available today. Additionally, Xiaomi states that the car could accommodate even larger batteries, potentially extending its range to over 700 miles. The car is also said to feature superfast charging, capable of replenishing 317 miles of range in just 15 minutes on a fast charger.
However, the actual performance of these claims in real-world scenarios remains to be seen.
Lenovo ThinkPad T-Series laptops
By making these machines easily repairable and upgradable, users can keep their laptops in optimal working condition for much longer, reducing the frequency of new purchases. This, in turn, decreases the need for manufacturing and shipping new laptops, leading to lower carbon emissions and fewer discarded computers in landfills.
The inclusion of these laptops on the list isn’t solely due to their inherent excitement factor. Lenovo has collaborated with the tech-repair advocacy group iFixit to ensure these laptops are easily repairable by users. They are designed to facilitate simple battery replacement, memory and storage upgrades, screen and keyboard replacements, and even ethernet port replacements.
The focus on repairability and longevity is an increasingly vital aspect of all tech products, aiming to improve their environmental impact. It’s commendable to see Lenovo taking steps to reduce the environmental footprint of its popular laptop line.
