The Mobile World Congress series, which focuses on connectivity, mobile, and networks, has come to an end after another exciting year. This year witnessed many new innovations, led by a wave of AI, 5G, and various other cutting-edge technologies. Here are a few that caught our attention!

Brain.ai reveals the future of smartphones

Brain.ai founder Jerry Yue revealed how generative AI could integrate with our smartphones at this year’s MWC. The company’s operating system, which is intended to act as a digital personal assistant able to support you in actions like reservations, flights and calendar management, was revealed to be potentially arriving in T-Mobile’s latest device – REVVL. While the model has not been fully unveiled yet, it does provide an interesting look at how AI is coming to our personal devices faster than we may expect.

Most importantly, Yue explained that current models of AI are working on a basis that attempts to exploit attention with little visibility as to why it makes recommendations for users. This is something that Brain.ai is attempting to solve, ensuring their platform is transparent and avoids exploitation by advertisers or similar. 

Given some of the concerns around AI bias, this refreshing approach feels ahead of the curve. AI continues to be a trending topic that is relevant to all. Brain.ai demonstrates how brands are starting to respond to AI concerns to their advantage, alongside actioning a desire to make AI a day-to-day tool with smartphone integration. 

Sweanty rethinks rehydration with smart trackers

From heart monitors to blood sugar trackers, health tech is always finding new ways to ensure that we can push our limits safely. But hydration has always been a tricky area to crack. A vital part of training that can drastically impact performance, hydration has always fallen behind compared to pulse trackers such as Fitbit devices, making it intriguing to see Sweanty’s offering.

The stick-on patch, integrated with an app, allows users to monitor their hydration levels and understand the correct amount of electrolytes needed after each session. Data tracked during a session is sent to the app to create a sweat profile, producing a custom hydration plan that varies depending on the wearer’s execution, weight, heart rate, and more. The most exciting feature of the product is its small size and almost zero encumbrance compared to weightier devices. 

Healthcare wearables show no sign of slowing down, and Sweanty illustrates a consumer desire for lighter form factor and health metrics beyond heart rates. This insight will be valuable to all consumer electronics manufacturers.

Samsung brings wearables to your fingers

Fashion and technology are becoming increasingly integrated as time moves forward, as seen with a host of wearable devices becoming common sites in the public. But Samsung’s recently revealed Galaxy Ring has certainly made an impact.

Similar to the previously mentioned health tracking kits, the Galaxy Ring aims to track movement, heart rate and more, but its bigger applications are what really make it stand out. While information is still under wraps and development is ongoing, Samsung explains that the ring will have productivity and well-being and potentially work outside of just Samsung and Android devices. 

We’ll be watching its development closely, as even just used as a tech-centric fashion statement, it has a great deal of potential. Samsung shows here how our tech is becoming an even more integral part of our lives, with a more subtle physical footprint going forward that is a good opportunity for brands to comment on.

HTC VIVE reveals fresh approaches to AI and Spatial Computing

HTC VIVE, a regular and important presence at MWC, demonstrated a wide range of AI and spatial computing applications this year. Being a leader in the XR space, HTC has made significant strides in improving the development of human-computer interfaces. Beyond their expertise in VR and XR, HTC showed off AI tech that allows for quick translations to prevent any blockers in communications, which can be applied to make VR spaces more accessible.

But importantly, HTC also explained its intentions for the future of enterprise applications. Discussing how businesses can use their devices to evolve enterprise’s adoption of virtual reality, they also described how we can enhance productivity through the use of spatial computing. 

Alongside exciting demos for LBE applications mental health supporting technology used by astronauts on the ISS, the recently released VIVE Ultimate Tracker and Full Face Tracker, demonstrated that HTC is helping users fully immerse themselves into a virtual reality future.

HTC showcases a meeting point of a variety of technologies, such as AI, VR and LBE tech all collaborating to achieve a variety of goals. Technology, while traditionally filling a specific lane, is increasingly benefitting from a merging of tools, enjoying the combined benefits of a variety of hardware and software.

Conclusion

MWC 2024 illuminated the future of technology as deeply integrated, ethical, and geared towards enhancing human experience. Brain.ai is pioneering a privacy-focused, AI-powered digital assistant, indicating a shift towards more responsible and transparent tech. Sweanty’s innovative hydration tracker underscores the industry’s expansion into nuanced health metrics, marrying technology with wellness in novel ways. Samsung’s Galaxy Ring represents the fusion of fashion and functionality, signalling wearable tech’s move towards subtlety and broader utility. Finally, HTC VIVE’s advancements in spatial computing and virtual reality highlight the blending of various technologies to revolutionise both personal and professional spaces, pointing towards a future where digital interaction is more immersive and productive.