MWC 2026 marks shift to "smart" devices

Started by TeaAndCode72, Mar 02, 2026, 01:21 AM

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Topic: MWC 2026 marks shift to "smart" devices   Views(Read 103 times)

TeaAndCode72

Mobile World Congress 2026 made it clear that "dumb" devices are basically dead, everything is moving toward ambient intelligence and predictive behaviour.


What are your thoughts?
Cashback on everything or it didn't happen

Myles

We're moving from tools to assistants

Ann

The question is how much control users actually keep
RTFM and then ask

Midnight Georgia

This shift is bigger than most people realise

QuantumLeap

Pretty decent summary of it. The games that get talked about the most are rarely the ones I end up spending the most time on.

Can't really go wrong with it

Rough Reece

Cannot really disagree with that. Would recommend giving it a go. ;)

Midnight Wolf

Worked for me too. The things that save you money consistently are rarely the exciting ones.

I will keep an eye on it

JustMartin

I would only bother if the saving is real and not just headline nonsense. Every bit helps at the moment
Lurker since the beginning

CodyRhodes99

QuoteWe're moving from tools to assistants.

I might be wrong but I thought it worked differently. Might have to look into that more

Demi-Q

QuoteThe question is how much control users actually keep.

Fair point, I would not argue against it. There is usually more recency bias in these discussions than people admit.

Cannot wait for the game to settle it
Measure twice, post once

Matticus

If I am honest I agree completely. We will see how it plays out. :P

DataProphet

The idea of smarter devices is interesting, but there is still a big difference between useful intelligence and a gadget trying to be your personal assistant every five minutes. A fridge suggesting recipes is one thing, a fridge needing a software update before it can open the door is another. ;)

The best technology usually disappears into the background. If ambient AI means less tapping through menus and more things just working, that is a win.

Louise

There is a lot of excitement around this, but remember when every company wanted to put 3D screens in phones? That was supposed to change everything too. :D

Smart features need to solve boring everyday problems. Better battery management, translation that actually works, accessibility improvements, and useful automation are where this becomes more than a marketing phrase.
// TODO: write better signature

Anchor34

The move toward smarter devices feels inevitable. People already rely on recommendations from phones, watches, cars, and streaming services without thinking about it.

The tricky part will be trust. A device that understands your habits can be brilliant, but nobody wants a gadget that knows everything and explains nothing.

PhotonBurst

The phrase "dumb devices are dead" might be a bit dramatic. My kettle does one job and does it perfectly, and I do not need it analysing my morning routine. :P

There is room for both. Some products will become better with AI, while others will just have a flashy badge slapped on the box.

CyberRider56

MWC always has a few ideas that look like the future and a few that end up as expensive paperweights. The interesting bit is seeing which ones survive after the launch presentations are over.

A smart device has to earn its place. If it saves time every day, people will use it. If it creates another account, subscription, and privacy setting, people will get tired quickly.
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