The world of technology rarely stays still, but this week it was supercharged, thanks to the MWC 2024 expo in Barcelona (that’s Mobile World Congress for those unfamiliar with the nomenclature); and as the Mobiles head honcho here at TechRadar, I'm filling in for Marc and Lance to introduce this MWC-heavy Week in Review.
We saw everything from a suite of new smartphones to robot dogs and wearable AI-powered pins – and artificial intelligence was very much the buzz-phrase at MWC this year. There was AI in humanoid robots that felt like something out of sci-fi, and AI in cars, fitness apps, phones, laptops and more. Heck, even 5G modem chips from Qualcomm got a dose of smarter AI.
And when AI wasn’t around, we saw other intriguing concept tech, including a laptop with a translucent display and a bending concept phone that you can wear; the future is going to be weird.
Not everything was future-gazing though. We went hands-on with a prototype of the eagerly anticipated Samsung Galaxy Ring. The Nothing Phone 2a made an appearance – and it could take the budget phone smartphone arena by storm. And I checked out how iFixit and Lenovo have made a laptop that I could probably repair myself with a few tools and a bit of patience. We also gave 11 products a coveted TechRadar ‘Best of MWC’ award – check out the winners below.
Away from MWC, there’s been good and bad Apple news to chew over this week, the Geneva Motor Show showcased some intriguing electric concept cars, and there are murmurs of a launch window for the Harry Potter TV show. So it’s been a busy week with plenty to excite, and to raise a few eyebrows. And with that, I’m off to have a lie down.
Roland Moore-Colyer, Managing Editor, Mobile Computing
The week at MWC 2024
It's been another bumper MWC (Honor / Xiaomi / Samsung / Humane / Future)
Mobile World Congress has wrapped up for another year, and the TechRadar team has picked out the best gadgets that caught our eye, including Samsung's Galaxy Ring, the OnePlus Watch 2, a transparent laptop, and an impressive-looking EV from Xiaomi.
One of our highlights of MWC was getting a first proper look at the new Galaxy Ring health tracker that's just been unveiled by Samsung. Samsung's health experts talked us through some of the features, and we're now even more excited for its launch.
Apple boss Tim Cook has been talking up the AI upgrades heading to Apple software and hardware later this year, telling shareholders that his company is going to "break new ground" when it comes to generative AI – so what might we see?
Not off to see Dune: Part II in theaters this weekend? If you’re planning on staying in, historical epic Shōgun, Adam Sandler’s pensive sci-fi movie Spaceman, and political satire The Regime are among our recommendations for your viewing pleasure.
The long-awaited Tesla Roadster could finally make an appearance before 2024 is over, according to Tesla CEO Elon Musk on (where else?) the X social network. "There will never be another car like this, if you could even call it a car," Musk has said.
