Mobile World Congress showcased new Android smartphones from Xiaomi, Nothing, and others, while also introducing innovative concepts such as generative AI-powered devices like the Humane AI Pin, smart rings, bendable phones, and transparent laptop screens, hinting at a future beyond traditional smartphones. The Vergecast discusses these new gadgets with insights from MWC attendees, highlighting the potential impact of these advancements on the post-smartphone world.
The Google Pixel 8 series has been named the "Best Smartphone" of 2023 at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) by the GSMA, marking the first time Google has taken the title. The award recognizes outstanding performance, innovation, and leadership, with candidates including the iPhone 15 Pro series, OnePlus Open, Samsung Galaxy S23 series, and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5. Google reportedly achieved a new milestone by shipping 10 million Pixel phones in 2023.
At MWC 2024, Google announced new features for the Android ecosystem, including AI-powered message summarization and accessibility improvements in Android Auto, Google Lens, and Google Maps. Gemini, Google's AI chatbot, now works within Google Messages, while Google Docs gains support for handwritten annotations. Additionally, Spotify Connect support is coming to Android's native media switcher, Wear OS will display more information and support Health Connect for a comprehensive health overview.
Lenovo has unveiled the world’s first transparent display laptop with a see-through keyboard at MWC, featuring Micro-LED technology. This concept laptop offers a detailed view of the see-through keyboard and marks a significant advancement in display technology.
The Humane Ai Pin, a new AI assistant wearable, made a surprising appearance at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, despite not having a booth. Demonstrators showcased its quick voice command responses and a unique Laser Ink Display that projects answers onto the user's palm. While the $699 price and $24-per-month subscription raise questions, the device's potential for frictionless interactions in everyday situations could make it a valuable companion for users.
Deutsche Telekom has unveiled a concept phone that operates solely on AI, eliminating the need for traditional apps. The experimental device, developed in collaboration with Qualcomm and Brain.AI, aims to handle user needs through AI-generated suggestions and prompts. However, with the concept still in its early stages, it remains uncertain whether it will materialize as a viable product or end up as vaporware.
Samsung officially unveiled the Galaxy Ring at MWC, marking its entry into the smart ring market, prompting reactions from competitors and validating the category. The ring, set for release later this year, focuses on health and sleep tracking, complementing Samsung's existing health offerings. With on-board sensors measuring heart rate, movement, and breathing, the Galaxy Ring aims to provide personalized health insights and actionable goals. Pricing, battery life, and potential subscription models are still to be revealed.
At Mobile World Congress, Google announced new AI-powered features for Android, including AI-generated captions for images, message crafting, and text summarization for Android Auto, as well as accessibility improvements for visually impaired users. Additionally, Google is extending support for handwritten notes in docs, updating the Fitbit app with data from different sources, and introducing new features for Wear OS, such as accessing Google Wallet passes and getting transit directions through voice commands.
Google introduces Gemini integration with Messages for basic tasks and chat, as well as AI-powered text summaries for Android Auto to minimize distractions while driving. New accessibility features for Android include AI-generated image captions in the Lookout app and enhanced screen reader options in Google Lens for Maps. Additionally, new casting controls for Spotify called Spotify Connect have been added for seamless device switching.
Samsung will publicly display its Galaxy Ring for the first time at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain, potentially offering more details about the smart ring. The device may not be available for hands-on experience, suggesting ongoing development or a strategic marketing approach. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S24 series faces concerns over durability and AI features, while drawing interest from iPhone users exploring its new features.
Lenovo unveiled a concept laptop, the ThinkBook Transparent Display Laptop, featuring a 17.3-inch transparent Micro-LED display with a projected transparent keyboard and rear-facing camera, but it remains a prototype with limited practicality. Additionally, Lenovo announced updates to its ThinkPad and ThinkBook lineups, including models with updated Intel processors, AMD Ryzen chips, and improved repairability, with availability starting from April 2024.
Motorola has announced a new deal to use Corning Gorilla Glass in all its smartphones starting this year, with the entire 2024 portfolio set to feature the glass in the second half of the year. This move is expected to improve scratch and drop resistance, particularly on the company's budget devices. Additionally, Motorola unveiled Smart Connect at MWC, a new software that enables connectivity between Motorola and Lenovo devices, allowing for features such as keyboard sharing, notification syncing, and using a phone or tablet as a webcam or hotspot.
Chinese technology company Honor globally launched its new Magic 6 Pro smartphone, featuring an experimental eye-tracking AI function that allows users to remotely control their car by looking at the phone screen. The company also unveiled the MagicBook Pro 16 laptop with AI features for seamless cross-device application transfer. Honor, now owned by Shenzhen Zhixin New Information Technology Co, is aiming to integrate these innovations globally and compete with industry giants like Apple and Oppo in the smartphone market. The launch comes ahead of the 2024 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, where tech and telecom companies are showcasing new products and features centered around generative AI.
Xiaomi launches its flagship smartphones, the 14 and 14 Ultra, for a global audience at MWC, excluding the US. The 14 features a smaller 6.36-inch LTPO 120Hz screen, while the 14 Ultra boasts a 6.73-inch 120Hz 1440p panel and a 1-inch-type main camera with a variable aperture system. The Ultra also includes two stabilized telephoto lenses, log recording for videos, and flat edges for a comfortable grip. Both phones offer significant camera upgrades and are available for order, with the 14 Ultra priced at €1,499 and the 14 at €999.
Xiaomi has launched the Xiaomi 14 Ultra in China, featuring a main camera with a large one-inch-type sensor and variable aperture, with prices starting at $904. The phone will be showcased at Mobile World Congress and is expected to be available in Europe. It boasts impressive photography specs, including a photography kit with a camera grip and shutter release button, and houses four 50-megapixel cameras within a large circular camera bump. The phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, has a 6.73-inch 1440p display, and is IP68 rated for dust and water resistance. It also features a 5,300mAh battery with 90W fast charging and 80W wireless charging capabilities.
