The craziest gadgets presented at the Mobile World Congress
27.2.2024
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
A back cover that changes colour, a power station with a projector and a holobox. This year’s edition of the tech fair saw manufacturers showcasing gadgets for everyday use as well as curious prototypes and off-the-wall innovations.
What on earth? It’s hard to know what to make of some of the gadgets on show at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona. Here are some of the prototypes and innovations which ride the line between genius and madness.
Colour-changing smartphone back
Although the screen by Infinix is still just a prototype, the concept has me excited. Why? Because it features a display at the front as well as the back. It displays an ever-changing colourful pattern, making it one of the most beautiful backs of a smartphone I’ve ever seen.
The start-up from China relies on e-ink technology familiar to e-book readers. In other words, it only requires power when the pixels change colour and not when they’re in static mode. You can choose between a flashing pattern or one specific colour.
Surprisingly, the panel for the back isn’t that much thicker than the glass that’s usually used. However, it’s hard to tell how solid it is in comparison.
A real keyboard for iPhone
While a hardware keyboard for the iPhone made its debut at the CES, manufacturer Clicks chose the European trade fair to announce a Qwerty version for German speakers and an Azerty for French speakers. Around 150 francs will get you a case featuring a physical keyboard that replicates the iPhone keyboard as well as all the shortcuts from the Apple world to go with it.
Source: Lorenz Keller
Blackberry nostalgics will be reminded of the old days, but even if you haven’t typed on a real mobile phone keyboard in a long time, you’ll soon get back into the swing of things. The type feel is amazing too. This much I can say after giving it a quick try at the MWC.
The keyboard’s currently available for the iPhone 14 Pro. Versions for the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max will be available in the coming weeks, and the 14 Pro Max will also be getting its own Clicks case. To date, Clicks is only available directly from the company based in England. However, one of its founders told me that they’re currently looking for sales partners in Europe.
Power station with a projector or 5G router
French manufacturer Watts showcased two power stations with different extras at the tech fair. The Power Station Projector contains both a 650 Wh battery and a projector. Watts hasn’t revealed any technical details about the projector, it’s just a prototype. However, it’s expected to come with two karaoke microphones.
Source: Lorenz Keller
The battery enables USB-C charging with a maximum of 100 watts, and there’s also a charging pad for 15 watts of wireless charging. Then there’s regular sockets to connect devices ranging from coolers to PlayStations. A maximum output of 1,400 watts can be reached, technically enough for hotplates or a kettle.
This also applies to the Power Station 5G, which is equipped with a 1,152 Wh battery. The battery has a maximum output of 2,500 watts. As a little extra, this power station also has an integrated 5G modem. All you do is insert a SIM card and you have yourself your own Wi-Fi via mobile radio.
Holograms instead of a video call
The start-up Holoconnects from Hololand, erm Holland, saved one of its employees the trip to the trade fair in Barcelona. Instead, he stayed in front of a camera at their office in Culemborg and sent his hologram to MWC in Barcelona, instead.
It’s displayed in a life-size box on an 86-inch screen. However, he looks more like an employee who’s locked in a box and peering out through a window. The holobox, around two metres high, is portable and only requires electricity and internet. The speakers, microphone and camera are all built-in.
Source: Lorenz Keller
This technology’s already being used for advertising at airports, among other things. Instead of physically presenting the latest BMW model, for example, passers-by get to see a hologram of the car in a giant box. In 30 Best Western hotels in Scandinavia, the Holobox has completely replaced the reception desk and complement digital terminals for check-in. The International Training Center (ITC) uses holograms for training purposes to save on air travel.
Wrist-hugging screens
Flexible displays are nothing new. In flip phones, for example, they fold down the middle. The Motorola Z Flex display does more than that. It’s bendy all over. This is possible because of the technology behind it, which divides the screen into small sections. In other words, there’s no hinge required.
Source: Lorenz Keller
This allows you to place the prototype around your wrist, for example. Or fold it in a way so part of the screen serves as a stand. According to the manufacturer, it’s the first time a screen of this size with a resolution of 2,160 by 1,080 pixels has been made malleable in this way.
But the Z Flex Display isn’t the only curious screen. Lenovo’s transparent notebook screen’s also an eye-catcher. My colleague Jan already took a closer look at it.
Ingenious or plain mad? Which gadget particularly appeals to you? Maybe you could picture using one of them in daily life? Let me know in the comments.
Header image: Lorenz Keller
Lorenz Keller
Senior Editor
Lorenz.Keller@digitecgalaxus.chGadgets are my passion - whether you need them for the home office, for the household, for sport and pleasure or for the smart home. Or, of course, for the big hobby next to the family, namely fishing.
