The second big tech event of 2024 is done and dusted as the latest edition of the Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona comes to a close. Various tech companies use the platform to showcase their new products and also dazzle everyone with flashy concepts, something that we saw from brands like Lenovo, Motorola and Samsung among others.
The best thing about MWC is that the less-known brands get a stage to talk about their products and get people excited. Like every year, the MWC 2024 had some interesting products that we might see in the market soon, while some may never make it out.
BENDABLE SCREENS FOR THE WIN?
Foldable screens have clearly gone mainstream in the past 12 months, which means brands are now eyeing the next exciting thing, which is bendable screen. Motorola and Samsung have showcased their bendable phones that wrap around your wrist. The tech behind these displays is likely to be costlier than the foldable panels but we do expect a market for this device in the next few years.
Samsung entering this space suggests the tech is here to stay but we’re concerned about the durability of these screens and how much wear and tear they can withstand. Either way, it was fun to see people try out the screen-laden phones and let’s hope they come to the market soon.
AI EVERYWHERE, EVERYTHING
It was hardly surprising to see AI at the forefront of the MWC 2024 in Barcelona this week. Humane brought its AI Pin in front of the world, and even talked about plans to launch the Rs 60,000 costing device in India. If that wasn’t enough, then we saw a smartphone interface that is completely app-free and runs on AI with personalized features likely to expand further. Qualcomm was never going to miss any talk about AI and the company announced the launch date for the new Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 chipset later this year.
TRANSPARENT LAPTOP DEBUTS
Lenovo has shown its foldable laptops but now it has gone a level up with its concept transparent laptop. What it means is that the design is see-through and you have the lower part of the laptop working like a digital tablet that can help you take notes. The bezel-less screen adds more credence to the concept. But as expected, Lenovo didn’t have anything to see about its launch, or how much it could possibly cost.
2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for technology, particularly in the realm of mobile devices and artificial intelligence (AI). Here are some key trends to keep an eye on:
Bendable Phones: Foldable phones are no longer a novelty, with companies like Samsung and Motorola continuously refining their designs and making them more affordable. This year, expect even more innovation in this space, with the emergence of rollable phones like the Tecno Rollable. These phones offer a unique form factor, expanding the display size when needed and collapsing into a compact phone size when not in use. As technology advances, we can expect bendable devices to become more mainstream, offering a wider range of form factors and functionalities beyond just smartphones.
Advanced AI Integration: Smartphones are becoming increasingly intelligent thanks to on-device AI. This translates to features like smarter personal assistants, capable of anticipating your needs and offering proactive assistance. Imagine your phone reminding you to pick up groceries on your way home from work, or automatically adjusting settings based on your location and activity. Additionally, AI is being used to enhance camera capabilities, with features like real-time object recognition and scene optimization.
Beyond Smartphones: AI is not limited to smartphones. We’re seeing a rise in smart wearables infused with AI, offering features like health monitoring, personalized fitness coaching, and even real-time language translation. These advancements are pushing the boundaries of what wearables can do, blurring the line between traditional devices and intelligent companions.
Looking ahead: The year 2024 is just the beginning of a transformative journey with bendable phones, advanced AI integration, and the rise of intelligent wearables. These advancements promise to reshape how we interact with technology, making our lives more convenient, efficient, and even personalized.
