CheckMag | MWC 2024: Top 5 show-stoppers, from transparent laptops to bendable phones

Lenovo unveiled Project Crystal, a concept laptop with a 17.3-inch transparent Micro-LED display, at the MWC 2024. This Windows 11 laptop is not for sale but showcases future tech possibilities. The display is borderless and covered with Gorilla Glass. Despite its sharp edges, the device demonstrates potential in transparent screen technology. The manufacturer of the display was not disclosed.

The laptop features a transparent, digital keyboard without haptic feedback, which makes typing challenging. The screen is bright, with a maximum of 1,000 nits, but has a yellow tinge due to 55% light transmissivity.

The concept of a transparent laptop might raise questions about practicality, and Lenovo itself seems to be exploring potential use cases. The transparency offers a unique visual experience, creating a sense of openness and space on the user's desk. However, privacy could be an issue as the screen is fully transparent, but Lenovo had planned to show a version with an adjustable opacity feature for privacy, which was not ready.

Project Crystal includes a rear-facing camera for Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC), aiming to offer augmented reality experiences. However, a demo of this feature was not available.

Lenovo suggests that a market-ready transparent laptop is still years away, and it's unclear if this will become a widespread trend.

At the MWC 2024, the Humane Ai Pin, a screenless AI wearable developed by former Apple employees, made a notable comeback. This device projects images onto the user's palm instead of using a traditional screen and is controlled through gestures and voice commands, using OpenAI's model.

The device also supports real-time language translation, recognizing and translating spoken languages on the fly.

In terms of privacy, Ai Pin is designed with discretion in mind. Unlike other voice assistants, it does not require a wake word and only activates manually. A "Trust Light" indicates when the device is in use, addressing potential surveillance concerns. For private interactions, Ai Pin uses a "personic speaker" to create a focused sound bubble, ensuring conversations remain confidential.

At the MWC this year, Samsung offered a more in-depth preview of the Galaxy Ring, initially teased during the Galaxy Unpacked event in January. This prototype wearable is set to enhance health monitoring, although it will miss some features like auto-workout detection at its launch.

The ring will be available in nine sizes, stretching from size 5 to 13, and offered in three distinct colors: gold, platinum silver, and ceramic black. The weight of these rings varies between 2.3 and 2.9 grams, slightly lighter than the Ultrahuman Ring AIR (currently available on Amazon). Each size of the Galaxy Ring comes with varying battery capacities, ranging from 14.5 mAh to 21.5 mAh. Samsung claims this will ensure a long-lasting battery life, comparable to the Oura Ring which offers up to seven days on a single charge with similar battery sizes.

The ring features three sensors for sleep analysis, including heart rate, respiratory rate, and sleep movement. It also introduces My Vitality Score and Booster Card for health insights and will include menstrual cycle tracking in partnership with Natural Cycles. Initially compatible only with the Galaxy S24 series, Samsung plans to expand its compatibility.

The Galaxy Ring's release date and price are yet to be announced, expected in the second half of the year.

Since 2016, Motorola has been refining its innovative phone concept that transforms into a wrist-wearable device. In 2024, this unique design continues to evolve. The device, when extended, functions as a standard smartphone but can fold backward into an arch, attaching to a magnetic wristband. This feature allows two users to engage with the screen simultaneously, such as watching a movie or playing a game together.

Motorola also introduced Smart Connect, developed with Lenovo, allowing seamless app transfer and control between Motorola phones, Lenovo tablets, and Windows laptops, similar to Apple's Universal Control. The software, available on the Microsoft Store, also supports laptop keyboard and mouse use on connected devices.

Xiaomi, a leading global smartphone manufacturer, showcased not only its new camera-centric Xiaomi 14 Ultra smartphone but also made a significant leap into the automotive industry with the debut of its first electric vehicle, the Xiaomi SU7.

Initially announced last year, the SU7 is built on Xiaomi's proprietary Modena EV architecture, featuring an advanced 800V powertrain and a unique cell-to-pack design where the battery is integrated into the chassis.

The car will offer two battery variants: a 73.6kWh BYD LFP battery and a 101 kWh high-nickel pack by CATL, promising up to 800km (500 miles) range per charge, based on China's CLTC cycle. It will be available in both RWD and AWD formats, boasting a single 220kW (295 hp) motor and dual 495kW (664 hp) motors, respectively, with a maximum speed of 265 kmph. The top model's HyperEngine motors, capable of 21,000 rpm, enable acceleration from 0-60 mph in just 2.78 seconds.

In terms of technology, the SU7 will be equipped with comprehensive smart EV features, including autonomous driving supported by high-resolution cameras, LiDAR, radar, and ultrasonic sensors. The interior features a smart cabin interface powered by Xiaomi's Hyper OS.