Anticipating the Highlights of MWC 2024
In a little over a week’s time (February 26-29) approximately 85,000 attendees will congregate at the Fira de Barcelona for the Mobile World Congress 2024. Over recent years, this event has arguably become the most notable mobile event of the year. Mobile phone makers, telecommunications companies, different tech vendors, journalists and analysts gather together to discuss the outlook for the industry in the next year.
Like every other large in-person event, the last few years have been tough for MWC. In 2019, the event garnered 109,000 visitors — not quite reaching CES numbers (which reached ~175,000 that same year), but it was nonetheless a remarkable turnout for what is essentially a significantly more specialized event. The COVID pandemic made a significant impact on the event for a couple of years.
After numerous major vendor pullouts and weeks of intense consideration, the GSM Association (GMA) ultimately had to cancel the 2020 event. A considerably scaled-down version of the event took place the next year, with a strict cap on attendance. In 2022, the event saw a resurgence to 60,000 attendees, and last year it attracted 88,500. The organizers are expecting a similar turnout for this year’s event. Though the number is still much lower than its peak, MWC still stands as a substantial event.
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Appraising the current significance of the show for the industry is indeed challenging mainly because of certain large-scale trends that have affected virtually all tech trade fairs. Overshadowing other exhibitors became a concern for larger companies, and they started hosting their own independent events even before the pandemic. This trend was further expedited by COVID, as companies had to quickly adapt to live streaming of events.
Some prominent industry players have now minimised their presence. For instance, Samsung now chooses to launch its new flagship models during the slow period between CES and MWC. Although it would be interesting to suggest that small, intriguing startups have taken up the space left behind as seen during the CES, this is hardly the case. The startup participation witnessed during the Vegas event is certainly not replicated here to the same extent.
Nonetheless, the presence of startups at MWC can’t be downplayed. They primarily feature in its sister event, 4FYN (Four Years From Now), which marks its tenth anniversary in 2024. The anticipation this fact has stirred is hoped to translate into a riveting showcase. This event, held in the same venue by the same organizer, is somewhat akin to the Eureka Park during CES – a vibrant hub featuring numerous startups. One can arguably find worse ways to spend a work afternoon!
For the participating companies, this platform keys them into a large, invested audience. For us, it gives us a chance to explore smaller firms that could easily have remained unnoticed. Though the event doesn’t particularly favour European startups, they are the usual majority, mainly due to geographical convenience. Travelling to Spain is decidedly more straightforward than crossing an ocean and a continent or two to languish in the glitz-infused abyss we know as Las Vegas, Nevada.
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I predict that health-focused wearables will continue to be a trending topic, including newer designs such as the smart ring. Head-mounted displays have consistently been present at the event. This appears to be one of the larger shows for HTC Vive, for example. Following the release of Apple’s Vision Pro and Qualcomm’s dedication to AR and VR, I foresee a lot of discussions on this topic once the event begins.
MWC is also a great platform for prototype devices. This is where Lenovo/Motorola excels. The more I contemplate it, the more I believe Lenovo is the most entertaining amongst the world’s leading consumer electronics manufacturers. Anticipate to see devices that can either fold or slide. Some will be only prototypes, but Lenovo is not hesitant to unveil some truly unique and intriguing gadgets. A “transparent laptop” is even speculated to be displayed at the event.
In terms of rumors, Nothing’s mid-range 2a handset is scheduled for a March 5 launch (although it’s reportedly limited in the U.S.). Carl Pei’s former company, OnePlus, will also be participating. Last year’s event featured the company focusing on its own line of prototype devices. This year, however, there are rumors that they will be launching the OnePlus Watch 2.
Expect to see Artificial Intelligence (AI) making a significant impact at MWC, but be ready to discern fact from fiction (we’re here to assist you). With the release of the Galaxy S24 line, Samsung has paved the way for AI-enabled smartphones, which will now be displayed extensively, featuring applications that range from practical to absurd. I’m somewhat hopeful about the surge of AI machines similar to the Humane Pin and Rabbit R1. I predict robotics will have their moment in the spotlight at the event, primarily from European companies. The Xiaomi vehicle is another big topic.
Essentially, this is a major event for telecoms, and indeed, talks around 6G have commenced. Keep in mind, before the expected influx, that we are still at a nascent stage of development. No standard has been finalized, and it’s estimated to be around four years until compatible devices become available. Nonetheless, 5.5G/5G advanced is certainly imminent, especially pushed by Chinese firms. Huawei will be a prominent name to know, considering their gradual rise after losing access to Google and Qualcomm products.
A topic of undeniable relevance and like to be predominant at this year’s show is Wi-Fi, succeeding Wi-Fi 6E as the latest wireless standard. TechCrunch will be present and active at MWC.
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