MWC 2024: Bendy phones, smart rings and AI assistants

Photo credit: GSMA Barcelona

As one of the biggest and most influential connectivity and communication events, Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona is the place to be if you want to launch a new device or gadget to the masses.

This year was no different. Attended by over 101,000 attendees across 205 countries and territories, there were over 2,700 exhibitors, sponsors and partners at the 2024 event, showcasing some of the coolest technology around, giving us a glimpse into what the future could look like.

Amongst all the launches and events, here are five of our favourite gadgets that came out of the event:

The bendy phone

One device that a lot of people were talking about (including us!) is Motorola’s bendy phone, aka a foldable phone concept that lets you wrap your phone around your wrist.

Sound crazy? Well it is a bit. Originally announced in 2023, this device is able to be bent into several postures, allowing users to wrap the device around your wrist or fold it like a tent to play games, check emails and send messages. 

While it seems to be a way off from being launched into the market, it’s interesting to see how companies are continuing to experiment with foldable technology…

The Humane AI pin

Another favourite of ours is the Humane AI pin, an AI wearable device that pins onto your tshirt and becomes your very own AI assistant. The idea behind the pin is to create a world beyond screens and without a device, aka no more phones. Instead you interact with this pin through your voice and a small projector which can display text onto your hand which allows you to answer calls and manage other settings.

While the idea of stepping away from screens and living more in the moment seems appealing, are we ready to move away from screens just yet?

The transparent laptop

Also at the event was Lenovo’s transparent laptop, aimed at completely revolutionising the interaction and creation experience. According to Lenovo, through AI, “the transparent screen opens up new avenues of work collaboration and efficiency by enabling the interaction with physical objects and overlaying digital information to create unique user generated content.”

While it’s still just a proof of concept, there are some compelling use case studies for the tech, which will completely blur virtual and real worlds in meetings. What will the future of PR look like we wonder?

The Galaxy Ring

After initially teasing a smart ring at its Galaxy Unpacked event in January, at MWC last week Samsung confirmed the existence of its Galaxy Ring, which looks super cool.

It is an unobtrusive smart ring that monitors health data during the day and night. It will tell you how ready your body is for the day ahead, as well as provide insights about your health in order to stay invigorated during the day.

Another feature outside of health and wellness is that it could be able to make payments in the future. Can you even imagine?!

Either way, it sounds like a game changer. More details are expected in the summer so watch this space.

A POWERful smartphone

And finally, Avenir Telecom demonstrated a new device which claims to have enough battery life to last a whole week. It’s called the Hard Case P28K and will be sold under the Energizer brand.

Is it too good to be true? Maybe. The downside is that it is three times the thickness and weight of an iPhone. Though I’m sure it will appeal to adventurers looking to go off-the-grid for a while.

What were the standout gadgets for you from MWC? Let us know your thoughts on the event!