Microsoft(NEW YORK) — This year’s Mobile World Congress has proven it’s going to be a great year for technology.
From smartphones that push the limits of design and capability to gadgets that can make wired lives easier, the annual event in Barcelona provided a look at some of the impressive technology consumers can expect to get their hands on this year.
As attendees get their final sangria and Spanish ham fixes before flying home, here’s a list of some of the most impressive items from this year’s Mobile World Congress.
Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge
The stars of the show were by far the revamped Samsung Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge smartphones, which traded in the plastic used on previous generations for a sleek metal and glass body.
Samsung stole the show with a futuristic presentation on Sunday showing off its Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge smartphones — both living up to the company’s new rallying cry of “relentless innovation.”
Aside from the new look, the technological advancements in the phone are also noteworthy. Both phones are outfitted with wireless charging, making power cords obsolete. In just 10 minutes, Samsung says the devices can get enough charge for four hours of everyday use. Following the success of Apple Pay, Samsung also said its new devices would be equipped with Samsung Pay, a contact-less payment system.
When the new Galaxy phones go on sale in April, users can also expect a sharper-than-ever camera that Samsung claims outperforms the iPhone 6, as well as the ability to launch the camera in less than a second.
Huawei Smartwatch
Is this the classiest smartwatch ever?
In a category known for having a more dorkier aesthetic, Huawei’s smartwatch maintains a classic timepiece design while running on the Android Wear platform. The technological twist on the device lets users track their health data, check messages and stay on schedule, among other capabilities. The Chinese telecommunications company did not immediately specify a price or release date.
Another notable mention: LG’s Watch Urbane. The fancy 4G wearable is the latest in the South Korean company’s line of smartwatches and also runs on Android Wear.
Microsoft’s Folding Keyboard
For people sick of typing on tablets or their phones, Microsoft has a solution. The software company unveiled an universal foldable keyboard that can even be paired with two devices at once, making it easier to get more work done faster.
Productivity has been a driving theme for Microsoft recently — and this product is just another step toward achieving that goal.
Ikea’s Wireless Charging Furniture
Ikea unveiled a “Home Smart” collection of wireless charging furniture including bedside tables, lamps and desks.
An A+ sign on the furniture indicates the area where users should place their devices that need power — negating the need for cable clutter and looking for your phone charger.
While the integration of wireless charging and furniture could make some lives easier, it is important to note that there are currently two dueling standards, PMA and Qi.
Ikea has chosen to work with Wireless Power Consortium, integrating their Qi standard into the furniture, meaning it won’t directly work with an iPhone.
SanDisk’s 200GB MicroSD Card
Talk about some mega storage! SanDisk released a MicroSD card that can fit a whopping 200GB of data — meaning up to 20 hours of video on a card the size of a fingernail.
Isn’t technology great?
Follow @ABCNewsRadio
Copyright © 2015, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
