The latest edition of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona was the launch pad for the latest advancements in the global tech device industry. From artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled handsets to bendable smartphones, the industry got a glimpse into the future of handsets and devices. While many of these devices are yet to be commercially launched, the event marked the beginning of a new era in innovation, providing a preview of unconventional and futuristic device designs to be launched in the coming years.

A look at some of the key device launches and announcements at MWC Barcelona 2024…

AI takes centre stage

At last year’s MWC, the popular generative AI tool ChatGPT made its debut while on-device AI was still at the inception stage. This year, mobile device companies showcased several AI-powered features integrated into smartphones.

Samsung launched the AI features of the Galaxy S24 series, enhancing user communication and creativity. These include features such as Live Translate, powered by on-device AI for two-way, real-time translations of phone calls, breaking down language barriers. Circle to Search with Google enables quick, easy and more intuitive searching, facilitating new discoveries through simple gestures. Also on display were Note Assist, which simplifies and organises complex texts; and Generative Edit, which allows users to freely resize or reposition subjects within photos for more creative freedom. These Galaxy AI capabilities are soon to be expanded to existing Galaxy models, including Galaxy Z Fold5, Z Flip5 and Tab S9 series, as well as the Galaxy S23 series and S23 FE.

Among the gadget standouts was Humane’s AI Pin, a compact device seamlessly integrating AI into everyday life, eliminating the need for a smartphone. Operating autonomously as a standalone device, it is untethered from external hardware. It comes equipped with its own phone number, allowing users to interact directly and unlocking multiple features through simple commands. The AI Pin’s versatility extends to multi-language communication and real-time translations, catering to diverse global audiences. It also possesses laser projection capabilities, projecting text or images on to the user’s hand for a futuristic user experience. While availability in India remains uncertain, the Humane AI Pin is expected to debut soon in the US.

Deutsche Telekom and Brain.ai introduced the Concept AI Phone. Unlike conventional smartphones, this device integrates on-device AI to guide users through tasks in real time. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, the Concept AI Phone utilises the large action model, Natural AI, bringing cloud-based AI capabilities directly to the device.

Bendable phones

Smartphone companies pushed the boundaries of design and functionality with the introduction of bendable phones, a step forward from foldables. Motorola aims to stand out from the crowd with its new Adaptive Display concept phone, launched at MWC 2024. This Android device takes the foldable premise to new heights with its versatility and shape-shifting abilities. Instead of simply folding in half, the Adaptive Display can bend into various forms to suit different needs. It can wrap around the wrist as a 6.9 inch smartwatch. Its bending mechanics also allow the phone to take a kickstand shape. This self-standing position gives hands-free access for watching videos on the 6.9 inch screen. As a concept device, its pricing and availability remain to be determined.

Samsung showcased its prototype phone that can be worn on the wrist, named the “OLED Cling Band”. The bendable phone offers a glimpse of how the new form factor would look. Similar to Motorola’s bendable phone, the OLED Cling Band has a 6.9 inch screen but does not require users to wear a magnetic band. Another similarity is that the user interface (UI) automatically adjusts based on how much the phone is bent, allowing access to the entire UI regardless of its folding configuration. In addition, the OLED Cling Band sports a camera on the back and includes a loudspeaker and USB Type-C port on the bottom.

Affordable 5G segment

Nubia introduced the new Nubia Flip 5G at MWC. The Flip 5G is a fully featured mobile phone that offers competitive pricing compared to other smartphones in the market. It comes in a pocket-sized foldable design with a dual-rail suspended centreboard, capable of enduring over 200,000 unfolds. The price of the Nubia Flip 5G is yet to be confirmed, but it is anticipated to be both affordable and competitive.

Meanwhile, Qualcomm announced plans to launch a 5G smartphone priced under Rs 10,000 in India by the end of 2024. The company confirmed its collaboration with telcos and manufacturers in the country to develop the smartphone. This move aims to accelerate the transition from 2G to 5G in India, offering consumers a seamless and cost-effective upgrade to the latest technology.

Superpowered batteries

Avenir Telecom, the licensee of the Energizer brand, stole the spotlight at MWC 2024 by launching the Energizer Hard Case P28K smartphone, featuring an astonishing 28,000 mAh battery. The battery, the largest ever seen in a smartphone, promises a week-long battery life under normal usage conditions on a single charge, setting a new benchmark in the industry. Designed for durability, the Energizer Hard Case P28K features an IP68-rated dust-and water-resistant build, ensuring it can withstand the rigours of everyday use. Its substantial 6.78 inch display provides an immersive viewing experience, complemented by a triple rear camera set-up and a 16 megapixel front camera. According to Avenir, the smartphone can deliver up to 122 hours of talk time and a maximum standby time of 2252 hours (equivalent to 94 days) on a single charge.

Meanwhile, Infinix introduced the Infinix Extreme-Temp Battery, the industry’s first battery technology capable of supporting charging in extreme cold temperatures as low as -40°C. With a charging capability spanning from -40 °C to 60 °C, the Extreme-Temp Battery ensures dependable performance and endurance in chilly environments, overcoming the common issue of lithium-ion freezing in standard batteries.

Colour changing smartphone

Infinix launched its latest E-Color Shift technology, enabling mobile phone panels to change and maintain vibrant colours without consuming power. This technology, featuring E Ink Prism 3, revolutionises smartphone personalisation by allowing extensive customisation of the back panel. This technology uses microstructures in which colour particles carry positive and negative charges. By applying different voltages, it changes the electric field within the microstructure, causing the corresponding colour particles to move and display the desired colours. This innovative approach allows the phone’s shell to change “skins” at the user’s will.

Wearables become smarter

Samsung showcased its first-ever smart ring, the Galaxy Ring, at MWC 2024. With its small form factor packed with Samsung’s innovative technologies, the Galaxy Ring offers integrated insights based on health data. The ring tracks the user’s heart rate, respiratory rate, sleep movement and time taken to fall asleep. The ring displays a vitality score that collects data about physical and mental readiness to measure productivity. All this data is accessible to the user via the Samsung Health app.

Xiaomi announced the global launch of its latest array of wearable devices. These include the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro, Xiaomi Watch S3 and Xiaomi Watch 2, all set to enhance user experiences across sports, health and wellness lifestyles. The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro offers upgraded customisation, professional sports tracking, comprehensive health monitoring and other smart features, providing an exceptional user experience that blends style with everyday utility. It features a new large rectangular 1.74 inch AMOLED screen with an upgraded 60 Hz refresh rate and a resolution of 336×480 pixels.

Meanwhile, as part of Xiaomi’s latest artificial intelligence internet of things (AIoT) line-up, the Xiaomi Watch 2 provides users with a smooth and stable smartwatch experience. Equipped with the Google Wear OS, it features five commonly used apps and supports over 200 third-party apps, offering users a wide range of applications to choose from. Powered by the Snapdragon W5+Gen 1 Wearable platform, the Xiaomi Watch ensures fast and efficient performance. The dual-core architecture enables high performance and low power consumption autonomous switching, resulting in a long-lasting battery life of up to 65 hours under typical usage with its 495 mAh battery and large 32 GB storage. With its sleek and sophisticated design, the Xiaomi Watch 2 features a 1.43-inch AMOLED display and an aluminium alloy middle frame.