Mobile World Congress 2024: Top five highlights from 'the greatest tech show on earth'

Big tech's big show went off without a glitch as 100,000 people from over 200 countries and territories got a glimpse of the future.

‌There was everything from singing robots to flying cars and smart earrings in Barcelona this year. But some tech was really mind-blowing. CGTN put together a 'top 5' in case you missed all the razzle dazzle. 

When roads are in the sky ...

‌Get ready for take-off! EVtols (electric vertical takeoff and landing) are getting better, bigger, quieter and a lot closer to reality.‌ China's EHang brought its flying car to Barcelona, but it didn't have far to travel after setting up a base in Lleida, just a couple of hours from the Catalan capital.

‌The business announced that it's achieved a world first, securing a 'Type Certificate' to carry passengers from the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

‌SK Telecom was also in Barcelona with its latest model, a moving exhibit complete with a virtual reality flying taxi experience. ‌It says it will be ready to launch a real flying taxi service next year.

‌Back on earth, Xiaomi stole the show with a jaw-dropping new electric car, the SU7. It travels 800 kilometers on a single charge and hits 100 km/h in less than 2.8 seconds.

Xiaomi says it will launch the model in China before taking it to Europe, possibly in 2026. But wait, doesn't Xiaomi make mobile phones? Sure, but it's now entered the electric car market as well, saying it wants to become one of the world's top five producers.

‌"The entire Xiaomi ecosystem is focused on connecting," says Xiaomi global president, William Lu."It's about connecting devices like mobile phones and tablets, with smart electric vehicles, and home appliances."

Lu says Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be a game-changer, helping the company improve both its mobile phones and its electric vehicles. "We're trying to connect so we can better serve people's needs. And the AI will only get smarter. ”

The Phone Frenzy

‌The MWC is often a launch pad for the latest and coolest phones, and the Xiaomi 14 caused quite a buzz at this year's show. The phone uses the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 mobile platform, which gives it some potent processing power.

‌Then there's the quad camera, which has four lenses and six focal lengths. Xiaomi says the setup can deliver professional-grade photos.

‌‌The Honor Magic Pro 6 also caught the eye in Barcelona. It has a triple-camera setup and can track pupil movement with AI, allowing users to open apps without even touching a screen.

‌ZTE's nubia Flip was one of the smaller phones on show this year. The company says it offers plenty of features, not to mention good value at just $599. "This phone is very compact," says ZTE's Qi Zhang, "but it provides a very powerful performance and we're set to launch it around the world from March.”

Oppo's AI-based photo editing system also made quite an impression. The tool can make people disappear from a photo like magic - very useful if a couple is no longer, well, a couple! 

Wearing your techie heart on your sleeve

‌Wearable tech was a hot accessory in Barcelona. ‌The new Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro combines functionality with style, boasting 14 days of battery life and a huge range of fitness tracking features.

‌The Samsung Galaxy Smart Ring also drew the crowds, even though the models were encased in glass and lit like some kind of treasure from another planet. Samsung remains coy about the ring, but it looks ultra-modern in a sleek black, silver and gold design.

‌Lenovo-owned Motorola is also getting in on the act, producing a flexible phone that can be worn as a bracelet. Users (or should that be wearers?) can adjust it to match just about any outfit.

‌Huawei had the largest stand at the entire event, showcasing gadgets like the Ultimate Watch - the world's first gold smartwatch.

‌The tech giant's new Freeclip headphones looked very sharp as well. They appear a little like an ear piercing, but actually grip both sides of the ear. 

‌That might sound very 'James Bond', but Huawei's new smart glasses take the '007' lifestyle to the next level. The Eyewear 2 features headphones and a mic for music and calls on the go. It also has smart touch technology and connects with a range of other devices.

‌Tech analysts say a new wave of wearables - from smart necklaces to nose piercings - will hit the market next year.  It's all happening very fast, so keep your eye (or ear, or nose) on this trend. 

Microchips on the menu

‌Humanoid robots always draw a crowd and one of the best in Barcelona was Ameca. Its creator, Enginnered Arts, says it's "the world's most advanced human-shaped robot."

‌Ameca has an AI-driven answer for almost anything, some decent dance moves, a sweet singing voice and convincing facial gestures and expressions.‌ Just don't ask her what she eats (microchips, if you were wondering). Robots have jokes now too, you know!

‌CGTN got a first-hand look at some incredible AI technology, meeting up with Spanish influencer, Aitana Lopez. The AI creation has attracted 300,000 followers since late last year and makes around $13,000 a month.

Her skin and hair are always perfect, and she never seems to get a day older. She's even picked up an invite to the private party of a top Premier League team. 

‌Aitana is 2D for now, but she could have a TikTok account if generative AI catches up with her. Who knows, she may even appear in films and TV series one day! 

‌And speaking of series, Aitana's creators say it's now possible to 'digitally clone' people. The technology has massive potential, allowing celebrities to scoop up all sorts of deals without lifting a finger. 

Cristiano Ronaldo, for example, could get his digital clone to do all his advertising work, while he focuses on his job - scoring goals. 

You missed a spot, Michelangelo!

‌The Metaverse looks set to change the way people think of time and space. 

Educa360 is one of the major players in this space. It creates educational experiences which allow people to immerse themselves in the subject matter. Mad about Renaissance art? Well, you can now watch Michelangelo paint the Sistine Chapel, all from the comfort of your couch.

‌Educa360'S Fran Roncero says hundreds of Spanish schools are already using virtual reality (VR) experiences in the Metaverse to teach nearly 50,000 children.

Apple was the big absentee at this year's congress. 

It doesn't usually attend this type of tech fair, partly because it tries to separate itself from the competition. But people were still talking about Apple and, more specifically, its Vision Pro VR goggles. 

They come with a $3,500 price tag, but analysts say the tech giant could sell close to 1.5 million this year. That means the Metaverse is getting bigger by the second. 

Ending on a high note

There's been a lot of song and dance around the concept, but when a musician actually plays a song in the virtual world, you know you're onto something! Chinese pianist Lang Lang performed a 'duet' in Barcelona earlier this week. Lang sat on a virtual piano while a hologram of him played the real instrument. 

And if you think about it, that's what the World Mobile Congress is all about - bringing people and technology together, and making sure they play nicely!

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Cover image: The World Mobile Congress provides a stage for cutting-edge technology from around the world./AP/Emilio Morenatti