Unconventional Innovations: The Quirkiest Gadgets from MWC 2025

Infinix has introduced a case that can hold up to 2 watts of energy, supplying it to the phone as needed. The company claims that the case features its “Sunflower” wireless charging technology, which draws inspiration from how plants align themselves with light. This allows the case to “dynamically adjust the transmission path,” ensuring it captures the maximum amount of light available within a range of 3 meters (approximately 10 feet). This technology isn’t intended to keep your phone charged during usage but aims to extend the standby time while you’re preoccupied with other activities. —Julian Chokkattu

Huawei’s Tri-Fold Phone Offers an Expansive Display

The leading foldable phones are all about maximizing screen space, but can you really have too much? The Huawei Mate XT shares a resemblance with the Honor Magic V3 (8/10, WIRED Recommends), but it features an additional screen and fold. However, the term “tri-fold” is somewhat misleading, as there are only two folds; nevertheless, the three screens cleverly combine to create a full 10.2-inch display. It can also function as a dual screen measuring 7.9 inches, or a single screen in a conventional candy bar shape at 6.4 inches.

When fully unfolded, the Mate XT measures just 3.6 mm thick, though you’ll need to manage two creases. When completely folded, its thickness increases to 12.8 mm, making it feel somewhat heavy. The hinges operate smoothly, and the device surprisingly feels robust, with a satisfying folding mechanism. It has an IPX8 rating for dust resistance.

The Huawei Mate XT Ultimate is powered by Huawei’s own Kirin chipset and runs on Harmony OS. Its specifications are strong, nearly on par with flagship models, featuring a triple-lens camera (50-megapixel primary lens, 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and 12-megapixel periscope telephoto lens), a sizable 5,600 mAh battery, 16 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of storage. Considering its hefty €3,500 price point, you’d expect premium features, but more screen size from the added folds would make it more appealing. Currently, it feels similar to a book-style foldable, and you are paying extra for the novelty. It’s available in select markets, such as the Middle East, and is expected to launch in Europe soon. —Simon Hill

When Cycling Glasses Meet Action Cameras

The rise of cameras integrated into glasses seems to be an inevitable trend. Why strap an action camera onto your body when you can seamlessly integrate it into your cycling sunglasses? That’s the innovative concept behind BleeqUp Ranger. Situated right in the center of the glasses—certified UV400 and rated IP54—is a camera that can record up to one hour of 1080p video. An additional battery accessory that clips to the back of a helmet also doubles as a tail light, extending total recording time to five hours. Furthermore, the glasses’ arms include speakers that deliver decent sound quality during my brief demonstration in a particularly loud environment. Naturally, AI technology is utilized, although not within the glasses themselves. The algorithms process the footage, suggesting the most compelling clips for you and compiling them into a highlight reel with minimal effort. The glasses will launch on Kickstarter later this month with a price tag of $499. —Julian Chokkattu

NTT Docomo’s MiRZA AR Glasses

During an engaging session in Japanese calligraphy, I used NTT Docomo’s AR glasses at MWC. Although somewhat bulky, these glasses do not need to be directly connected to any device and allow you to anchor content in the environment, preventing movement with your head. I found it relatively easy to replicate the character in front of me, despite my limited artistic ability. These glasses could be effective in industrial settings for overlaying schematics or assisting with device repairs. Priced around $1,500, these glasses target businesses primarily, but NTT also presented a new, lighter version it is developing, designed for navigation and notifications from a Bluetooth-connected smartphone, expected to cost around $500. However, this version may also require an AI subscription. —Simon Hill

Xpanceo Introduces More Smart Contact Lens Prototypes

I previously reported on Xpanceo at last year’s Mobile World Congress, and the company has returned with additional prototypes of smart contact lenses. One of these designs is a lens that could be recharged through a lens case, while another showcases biosensors capable of analyzing specific metrics in tear fluid to monitor levels of glucose, cortisol, and more. Another prototype features a pattern that adjusts in response to intraocular pressure, potentially allowing for early detection of glaucoma. Additionally, there’s a Smart Contact Lens for AR Vision with an integrated microdisplay that can project images. I was able to look through this particular prototype and read some text! The ultimate aim is to consolidate all these prototypes into a single product—a truly futuristic dream—but developing such miniature technology poses significant engineering challenges. It will inevitably be some time before smart contact lenses hit the market. —Julian Chokkattu

Solecooler: Your Feet’s Cooling and Heating Solution

As I neared the finish line of my day, having clocked nearly 30,000 steps, my aching feet couldn’t help but draw my attention to the Solecooler, amidst a plethora of surreal innovations and startups. Bruno Aubert, the clever inventor and thermodynamics engineer, explained that these innovative insoles can heat your feet by up to 4 degrees Celsius, or cool them by 3.5 degrees when flipped. The ingenious aspect is that they recharge through the pressure of your footsteps, although it may take a few moments to start functioning, akin to air conditioning. Priced at €50 and available in a single size that requires trimming for those with foot sizes below 14.