The Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona is off to an exciting start, with Google AI features and Lenovo’s transparent laptop stealing the show. This annual event showcases the latest innovations and advancements in the tech industry, and this year is no exception. From extended battery life for OnePlus to Xiaomi’s CyberDog and Lenovo’s laptop concept, there is something for everyone at MWC.
One of the most anticipated announcements came from OnePlus, who revealed their upcoming Watch 2 with an impressive 100 hours of battery life in full Smart Mode. This is a significant improvement from their first-generation product, which only had about 25 hours of battery life. Tuomas Lampen, OnePlus Europe’s head of strategy, explained that the company spent three years perfecting their battery technology to achieve this remarkable feat.
Xiaomi’s CyberDog also made waves at MWC. After years of anticipation, attendees finally got to see this robotic dog up-close. Brian Heater, a reporter for TechCrunch, described the CyberDog as a scaled-down version of Boston Dynamics’ familiar robot. Xiaomi has made some changes to its dog since it was first introduced in 2021, including a more realistic version of a head. The CyberDog 2 is now available for purchase online at $3,000, nearly double the price of its predecessor.
Lenovo showcased a unique laptop concept that caught everyone’s attention. Their transparent laptop allows users to see the back of their desk while working. The screen has a transparent pane, and the graphics are overlaid on whatever is behind it, creating an augmented reality experience. While it is uncertain if this concept will make it to production, Lenovo enjoys showing off its creativity and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in laptop design.
Google also made significant announcements at MWC, bringing AI to new features across its services. Gemini, Google’s AI tool, is now being used to craft messages, generate captions for images, summarize texts for Android Auto, and provide access to passes on Wear OS. Google Messages will also have a feature that allows users to access Gemini within the app. Additionally, Google is launching accessibility-related features, including the Lookout app, which generates AI-powered captions for images with missing or inaccurate captions or alt text.
DeepMind founder Demis Hassabis spoke at MWC about Google’s multimodal generative AI tool, Gemini. He mentioned that the tool’s capability to depict people in response to prompts will be back online in the next few weeks. This comes after Google temporarily suspended the feature due to concerns about historically incongruous images being produced.
In addition to these exciting announcements, Dutch company Seaborough showcased small devices designed to replace large light therapy lamps. These devices mimic the sun’s impact on the production of serotonin in the brain and can be placed next to a computer or clipped above a display. They plug into the USB port for power and are still in proof-of-concept mode.
Another interesting innovation comes from Infinix, who introduced the E-Color Shift. This device improves upon the e-ink screen technology started by Yota Phone, adding color and a fun aesthetic addition to the back of your phone. Brian Heater describes it as a unique feature that adds personality to a part of your device that is often covered or hidden.
The Mobile World Congress 2024 is proving to be an event full of exciting announcements and groundbreaking innovations. From extended battery life to robotic dogs and transparent laptops, there is no shortage of technological marvels to explore. As the event continues, stay tuned for more updates and insights from the TechCrunch team as they bring you all the action from MWC.
