Next week, more than 80,000 attendees are anticipated to gather at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona for the Mobile World Congress (MWC), renowned as the largest global gathering focused on the connectivity ecosystem. Historically, this event primarily spotlighted innovations in mobile phones and their supporting infrastructures. However, the landscape has evolved—today, virtually every technology is interconnected and increasingly powered by artificial intelligence (AI). Attendees can look forward to a showcase of groundbreaking innovations, from smart rings to foldable phones and even "invisible" laptops, setting the stage for conversation in 2024 and beyond.
In addition to consumer technology, MWC will highlight how connectivity underpins business and industrial applications through the integration of AI, the Internet of Things (IoT), and quantum computing. These three pillars are pivotal in shaping the next generation of communication technologies. The central themes of this year’s event include "5G and Beyond," "Connecting Everything," "Humanizing AI," "Manufacturing Digital Transformation (DX)," "Game Changers," and "Our Digital DNA."
Here’s a closer look at the exciting presentations and technologies poised to make an impact at this year's event across the fields of AI, IoT, quantum computing, and more.
### AI Highlights
**Tuesday, February 27**
**Revolutionizing Connectivity: Navigating the Future with AI-powered Networks**
The merging of AI with communication technologies is ushering in networks that facilitate hyperconnectivity and immersive experiences for consumers. This panel will explore how the next generation of mobile networks, supported by AI, is set to blend communication and computing, transforming how we experience the digital and physical worlds. Experts from AT&T, Nokia, Nvidia, and Ericsson will contribute their insights.
**Wednesday, February 28**
**Is 2024 the Year of the AI-centric Telco?**
This session delves into how AI is revolutionizing the telecommunications industry and the strategies companies are implementing to harness its full potential. Panelists from Telefonica, Microsoft, and Telenor will share key success factors, including the significance of responsible AI practices and the benefits of collaborative industry efforts.
### IoT Innovations
**Tuesday, February 27**
**The Lights Are Out but the Robots Are Home: Deploying the Smart Factory**
A ‘lights out’ factory operates without human involvement, relying on automation and robotics for production without requiring facilities like lighting. This session will examine how 5G-enabled technologies, including industrial robots, machine vision, and IoT sensors combined with AI, are driving the advancement of smart factories. Panelists from Trend Micro, Verizon, Petronas, and Telefónica will share their deployment experiences.
**Paving the Way for the Industrial Metaverse**
While the consumer metaverse hype may have waned, the emergence of the industrial metaverse is gaining traction. Powered by digital twins, augmented reality (AR), and other frontier technologies, the industrial metaverse market is projected to reach $100 billion by 2030. Participants from Nokia, Nvidia, and Dassault Systèmes will explore its potential, highlighting advancements in virtual product design, training, and creating digital representations of entire operations and even cities.
### Quantum Computing Insights
**Monday, February 26**
**Quantum Industry: A Bird’s Eye View**
This session will provide an overview of the evolving quantum industry landscape in 2024—distinguishing between emerging realities, industry hype, and what’s falling by the wayside. Experts from Puzzle X, Terra Quantum, and Resonance will discuss a strategic initiative advocating for the United Nations to declare 2025 as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.
**Wednesday, February 28**
**Are We Ready for Quantum Computing as a Service?**
Before launching Quantum-As-A-Service (QaaS), companies must assess advancements in quantum technology and the obstacles that remain. Panelists from IBM Quantum, SandbrixAQ, Arqit, Forschungszentrum Jülich, and Quantum Delta NL will address the demand for QaaS, its potential applications for organizations, and the readiness of the industry.
### Highlighted Innovations
**Lenovo’s Transparent Laptop**
If you've ever misplaced your laptop, this may not be the ideal device for you. Following a leak, Lenovo is expected to unveil a new transparent laptop concept featuring a touch-sensitive keyless keyboard, indicating a dual-screen design and stylus support. While transparent screens have existed, this could signal Lenovo's move toward commercialization.
**Samsung’s Galaxy Ring**
As the wearable market evolves, smart rings are gaining attention for 2024. Although Samsung typically refrains from unveiling new devices at MWC, it has teased its upcoming Galaxy Ring during recent events. While details are limited, it’s anticipated to offer features like fitness tracking, health metrics, sleep analysis, and contactless payment options—positioning it as a competitor to earlier market entries like the Oura ring.
**Motorola’s Foldable Phone**
Motorola has a legacy in foldable phones, dating back to the iconic Razr V3 flip phone in 2004. It is poised to make a comeback with its latest foldable-screen smartphone, either named Razr+ or Glory. Besides its innovative foldable design, the device is likely to feature an extended battery life, integrated AI capabilities, and a host of functionalities aligned with the growing presence of AI in smartphones and other devices in 2024.
As MWC 2024 approaches, anticipation builds for the innovations and discussions that will shape the future of technology, connectivity, and beyond.
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