MWC back in BCN
The Mobile World Congress kicks off in the Catalan capital on March 2 with all the latest mobile innovations
Barcelona has a date with one of the world's most important technology trade fairs this month, when the Mobile World Congress (MWC) returns to the Catalan capital packed with the latest mobile gadgets. Techno giants like Samsung or HTC have already allowed sneak peeks at some of their innovations for 2015, but we will have to wait until March 2 to get the lowdown on the newest gizmos that promise to take the world of technology by storm. However, the real importance of the MWC is the fair's ability to generate business, guaranteed by its size, with some 2,000 participants and many thousands of visitors keen to get their hands on the brightest and best in mobile technology.
Nevertheless, it is the hands-on nature of the fair that attracts the most attention and this year will be no different. Samsung, for example, will use the fair to present its latest line of mobiles, such as the Galaxy S6, a key part of the Korean technology giant's strategy to regain ground after the success of the new iPhones. Like the new Apple phones, the latest Samsung models will come in two different versions, although the difference is not in the screen size (so as not to step on the toes of Samsung's tablet sales) but the fact that one of the devices will eschew a plastic casing in favour of a metallic one. The distinguishing feature of the other version will be a screen that is curved at the sides. Both devices have 64-bit processors and 3GB of memory, as well as being waterproof, something the new iPhones do not offer. Another key change to the new line of smartphones will be the incorporation of a new version of Touchwiz, the intuitive touch interface that allows Samsung users to fully-personalise their devices. At the same time, the new phones promise to be more simple and easier-to-use.
Talks and debates
Other star techno firms showing off the contents of their updated portfolios at the MWC will be Sony and HTC. The latter, for example, is likely to reveal the new version of its top-of-the-line model, the One M9, with a better 20 megapixel camera and improved audio system. However, the Taiwanese firm will no doubt place most emphasis on its new line of smart wearables. According to a recent Bloomberg report, the wearable devices will have their own eco-system that monitors sporting activity that has been developed in conjunction with the sports wear brand, Under Armour.
As usual, the big absentee at the MWC will be Apple. Not that it will be silent at the time of the MWC, as the firm will be pushing its Apple Watch for a spring release. It it unlikely to launch at the MWC, but there is a chance it could make an appearance before or during the show to gain back some of the limelight.
Beyond the gadgets at the MWC, the fair will, as always, include a raft of talks and round table debates on the future of mobile technology. Among the participants already announced by the organisers is Facebook creator, Mark Zuckerburg, Ken Hu, the current CEO of Huawei, one of the fastest-growing firms in the sector. Also due to appear will be the CEO of Line, Jeanie Han, Wikipedia founder, Jimmy Wales, and the CEO of Qualcomm, Steve Mollenkopf. No doubt given the trend towards paying with smartphones, the heads of such financial companies as VISA or BBVA are likely to make an appearance.
Continuity
The MWC lasts from March 2 to 5 in the Fira Gran Via. The fair began in Cannes under the name 3GSM World, before it moved to the Catalan capital in 2011. Last year's fair attracted 85,000 visitors with 90,000 expected this year, making it one of the most successful and popular trade fairs in Catalonia, Spain and even the world.
Nothing lasts forever, and Barcelona's contract with GSMA, the group that organises the MWC, will expire in 2018. There is still some time to go, but rumours about a change of venue are circulating. Nevertheless, Agustí Cordón, head of the Fira de Barcelona and vice president of the Mobile World Capital Barcelona, says he is not worried about the event continuing in the Catalan capital: “If the fair is doing well”, as has been the case so far, then the contract will be extended “without any problems”, he says. “The contracts are important but it is even more so that things work out, and we are doing everything required,” he adds.
Video from the sky
There are few gadgets available that can compete with this sophisticated Parrot toy. It is called the BeBoop Drone and is a quadcopter that can record HD videos as well as taking high-quality still photographs with its 14 megapixel camera. The drone also includes a special system that allows it to remain stable in the air while recording. What's more, the drone can be controlled and manipulated by a mobile phone or tablet through the use of an app. It costs 499 euros.
LG presents its curved mobile
The Korean brand LG took advantage of the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show to present the new model of its G Flex smartphone. The device has a 5.5 inch screen and is slightly curved as well as being flexible. It is also the first device to include an 8-core processor and 64-bit architeture.
Samsung speaker system
In the recent Consumer Electronics Show held in Las Vegas, Samsung presented its new loud speaker system. Unlike other speaker systems, the Samsung system does not direct sound in a specific direction but is designed to fill an entire room. The speakers are available for fixed music systems and for mobile devices. They run on batteries and can be connected to a TV, mobile phone or tablet.
Google pocket translator
The latest update of Google's translating app has substantially improved its capabilities, to the point that it can even provide interpretation between two people using different languages. It can also directly translate text captured by the camera of the device it is installed on. The only drawback is that full functionality is effectively restricted to the most popular languages.