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Wearables are likely to be a big area of interest again this year at Mobile World Congress
By Will Goodbody, Science & Technology Correspondent
It’s the event that gets the hearts of mobile geeks racing (no seriously, it does). The world’s largest event for the mobile industry is about to kick off in Barcelona. Running from March 2-5, Mobile World Congress (MWC) is expected to attract around 90,000 visitors this year, who will come to see 2000 exhibitors across an exhausting 100,000 square metres of exhibition space.
So what can we expect?
Well as far as trends are concerned, the fast growing Internet of Things sector (connected devices that can talk to you and to each other over the internet) will undoubtedly steal some of the headlines. The theme of the show is “The edge of innovation”, so analysts are expecting even more new connected gizmos and demonstrations about how they fit into our lives.
The explosion in wearable devices is also likely to generate much of the noise around the show. A raft of new body worn smart contraptions are set to be unveiled, as manufacturers try to consolidate their head start in the sector ahead of Apple’s launch of its Watch device in April.
Fifth generation mobile networks or 5G, which promise mindboggling data speeds, also seem to be high on the agenda this year. Though some analysts are warning that with 4G still only being rolled out in most territories, and no consensus emerging about what 5G should be or what it should be used for, serious talk of the next generation is premature.
The inexorable rise of Chinese and smaller manufacturers is also likely to be a talking point. Emerging Chinese giants like Huawei, Xiaomi and ZTE are increasingly growing their presence in foreign markets and in many segments are offering more features for less cost when compared to more established names. But also keep an eye out too for potentially interesting announcements from smaller manufacturers like French based Wiko, which although an unknown vendor two years ago is now among the top five smartphone vendors in France.
And aside from other topics like apps, mobile payments, smart clothing, virtual and augmented reality etc, there will inevitably be many big headline grabbing announcements. HTC looks set to unveil the originally titled One M9, a successor to its flagship smartphone the One M8, and possibly a second larger screened version. It’s also rumoured to be preparing to reveal its first wearable in partnership with Under Armour and a new tablet.
On the same day, Samsung seems primed to launch one or possibly two versions of its new flagship handset, the Galaxy S6, one version of which is rumoured to have an edge screen. There has also been much speculation in recent weeks that it will announce a new round smartwatch, codenamed Orbis, with a rotary bezel that controls the watch’s functions.
Not to be outdone, Huawei will also host a press conference the day before the congress opens, at which it is not expected to launch a new flagship handset, but is more likely to reveal further details about the rollout of its Honor brand of smartphones in Europe. An Android Wear based smartwatch also seems certain, possibly with standalone 4G connectivity. And don’t be surprised if it reveals a new tablet or two.
In keeping with previous years, LG has already announced some new products it will have on show at Mobile World Congress. These include a new all metal design smartwatch, the LG Watch Urbane, which apart from being better looking than its earlier offerings boasts standalone 4G connectivity. It’s also unveiled four midrange smartphones.
Sony has no press conference scheduled this year, but will have a significant presence at the event, and is unlikely to be left behind when it comes to new product announcements. Google may present its modular smartphone, Project Ara, at the show, while various rumours have been circulating about Microsoft’s plans for its Monday morning press conference, including the launch of some new mid-range Lumia phones.
Amid all the hubbub, more than 30 Irish companies will be doing their best to stand out from the crowd and be heard. Enterprise Ireland is organising a delegation of 18 client companies who will peddle their wares, while more than a dozen Irish firms will also be there by themselves to try to catch the eye of visiting delegates.
A keynote by Facebook founder, Mark Zuckerberg on Monday evening and another by the US Federal Communications Commission chairman, Tom Wheeler, on Tuesday will also be keenly watched.
RTE News will bring you the main news from the event, and you can follow the latest announcements on the RTE website, as well as on TV, radio and Twitter across the four days.
Comments welcome via Twitter to @willgoodbody