Mobile World Congress 2024: Unveiling the Future of Tech
The TechCrunch team is thrilled to bring you the latest news and innovations from the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024, held in the vibrant city of Barcelona. Get ready for a week filled with groundbreaking products, exciting announcements, and the unveiling of the future of technology.
Extended Battery Life with OnePlus Watch 2
OnePlus is making a bold statement with its upcoming Watch 2, promising a staggering 100 hours of battery life in full Smart Mode. This remarkable achievement is the result of three years of dedicated research and development in battery technology. Our very own Brian Heater had the opportunity to speak with Tuomas Lampen, OnePlus Europe’s head of strategy, to learn more about the company’s journey and how they managed to achieve such an impressive battery life.
Xiaomi’s CyberDog: A Robotic Companion
After years of anticipation, Brian Heater finally got to witness Xiaomi’s CyberDog up close at MWC. This robotic dog showcased its dressage shuffle and performed a captivating dance, reminding Brian of a scaled-down version of Boston Dynamics’ renowned robot. Since its initial unveiling in 2021, Xiaomi has made significant improvements, including a more realistic head design. The CyberDog 2 is now available online for $3,000, double the price of its predecessor.
Lenovo’s Transparent Laptop Concept
Lenovo unveiled a captivating laptop concept that will undoubtedly turn heads. This transparent laptop features a screen with a transparent pane, creating an augmented reality-like experience where graphics are overlaid on whatever is behind the device. While it’s still a concept, Lenovo’s creativity is sure to inspire future laptop designs.
Google Infuses AI into New Features
Google is making significant strides in artificial intelligence (AI) integration, introducing new features across its services. These include Gemini, an AI-powered messaging assistant, AI-generated captions for images, text summarization for Android Auto, and access to passes on Wear OS. Additionally, Google Messages will soon feature Gemini integration, allowing users to access AI-powered messaging capabilities within the app. Google is also introducing accessibility-related features, such as AI-generated captions for images with missing or inaccurate captions or alt text in the Lookout app.
DeepMind’s Gemini: Unpausing Human Depiction
DeepMind founder Demis Hassabis discussed the recent pause on Gemini’s ability to depict people. He revealed that the capability will be back online in the coming weeks. This decision was made after users pointed out that the tool was generating historically incongruous images, such as depicting the U.S. founding fathers as a diverse group of people instead of solely white men.
Seaborough’s Innovative Mood-Enhancing Lamp
Seaborough, a Dutch company, showcased a revolutionary desktop lamp designed to improve mood. This small device mimics the sun’s impact on serotonin production in the brain. It’s designed to sit next to a computer or clip above a display, resembling an external webcam. Powered by USB, the lamp is still in proof-of-concept mode, but it promises to be a game-changer for those seeking improved mood and well-being.
Infinix E-Color Shift: Transforming the Back of Your Phone
Infinix is pushing the boundaries of smartphone design with its E-Color Shift technology. Building upon the e-ink screen work pioneered by Yota Phone, Infinix introduces color and a unique aesthetic to the back of the device. This innovative feature adds a touch of personalization and style to a part of the phone that often goes unnoticed.