New devices shine at Mobile World Congress

Less novelties, but better gadgets at affordable prices to engage new markets

Everyone knows the MWC is the best place to show the latest technology. It’s the correct place for brands to get new costumers and for SMEs to go straight ahead to their success. And so, that’s what companies did during the four-day congress in Barcelona. Samsung, Vodafone or Ericsson showed up their new cutting-edge products in order to prove they still develop the pioneering technology, although neither Apple, Blackberry, Microsoft nor Android took part of the world’s most important mobile meeting.

The 2013 MWC attended an edition market by innovation. The more modern devices are, the littler and quicker they become. However, what big companies broadly displayed were more improvements than new releases. The reason is they really wanted to embrace a bigger and diverse market. To do so, then, operators presented best prices for novelties as well as more usability and durability.

Outside of MWC

The latest apps for smartphones

The most awaited releases were the ones related to integrated smartphones. Indeed, their new and, at first sight, posh apps. The most amazing app was the one which has NFC technology. At the beginning, we used to pay with real money. Afterwards, with our personalised credit cards. And nowadays, even with our smartphones. Therefore, people won’t fall asleep on the steering wheel because SomnoAlert App will prevent drivers from that. And last but not least, apps like JoinUp Taxi or WeSmartPark, for sharing taxis races and take advantage of some bargains for parking, respectively. Truly new useful tools.

Top 5 tablets from MWC 2013

Big-name ITC companies launched cutting-edge tablets at 2013’s biggest mobile and technology event. Take a look at the list below to find out the best five and do not miss the opportunity to enjoy this top 5 tablets hands-on video.

1. Galaxy Note 8.0 by Samsung

2. Padfone Infinity by Asus

3. Xperia Tablet Z by Sony

4. Fonepad by Asus

5. Slate 7 by HP

Looking to the developing world

There is a gap in the less-developed world mobile market and that is something Mozilla and Nokia already know. Nowadays, both telecommunications companies are investing part of their efforts in contributing towards bringing technology closer to those countries with less advanced economies. Cell phone companies are seeking new consumers, primarily in emerging zones such as Africa and Asia. In an attempt to establish themselves on this market, Nokia and Mozilla showed their brand new mobile devices at this year MWC edition.

The Finnish multinational corporation Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Elop, presented ‘Nokia 105’ (€15/$19.60) and ‘Nokia 301’ (€65/$85), both described as affordable and “super-charged” mobile phones, due to the company’s purpose to meet the demand at the low-end market. As an extraordinary novelty, these two new intros “give you up to 12.5 hours of talk time” and “you can leave it on standby for up to 35 days”. Moreover, even Lumia, Nokia’s smartphone line, was unveiled to undergo a price drop.

The brand new Lumia (Nokia) was presented

Another investment for handset austerity was the mobile operating system introduced by Mozilla. Far from focusing on making the most sophisticated device, the American smartphone producer prioritizes developing countries and has designed an operating system which will allow mobile network operators to sell mobile terminals connected to the Internet for less than €75. Thus, sales are expected to increase and handsets are supposed to be more popular among developing countries’ population.

"Connected City"

The GSMA Connected City allowed MWC visitors to find out how our life would be improved in a city where everything is linked owing to intelligent wireless connections. A very faithful recreation of a street provided with cars, coffee shops, stores and a hotel reflects that mobile innovation will deliver us “economic growth, successful products, costumer value and new business opportunities”.

Samsung, Ericsson, Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom and KT are some of the big companies which exhibited their cutting-edge products in the Connected City. Most of these advices and mobile applications will be soon commercialized. For instance, South Korean conglomerate Samsung has already started selling a smartphone turned into your domestic central command, as the device gives you the absolute control of your home even if you are out. 

The Connected City also exposed mobile phone apps related to health (mHealth) and education (mEducation). GMSA promoted these new ideas wishing state-of-the-art technology would be an opportunity to allow teachers and doctors to be far from their students and patients and still do an efficient job.

Mireia Biel i Alba Mora

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