In just under a week’s time. the planet’s hottest handset purveyors and mobile mavens will be descending on sunny Barcelona for the annual phone fun fest that is Mobile World Congress. But why should this yearly get together matter to you?
Well, with mobiles becoming the ultimate must-have accessory, this is when the newest cells are shown off and the biggest trends laid out. Dive in now and check out our ultimate preview.
What is it?
The biggest phone show on Earth, Mobile World Congress is where it’s at to tout the best new phones and for rival manufacturers to indulge in extreme oneupmanship. That means everyone’s showing off their latest, greatest efforts.
Just how big are we talking?
Last year a massive 47,000 people rolled up at Mobile World Congress, and in 2010 it’s set to get even bigger. While it might not have as much floor space as the giant at CES, you can rest assured that it’s every bit as important. After all, mobile phones are the gadget everyone has and everyone needs.
So who’ll be there?
Everyone who’s anyone in the world of mobiles. Organisers reckon there’ll be a massive 1,300 exhibitors working the show floor this year. And of course, the likes of Nokia, HTC, Motorola, LG, Samsung and Sony Ericsson will be on hand to try and convince us, and you, that their latest attempts at the mobile holy grail are worth a second look.
LG Mini super slim touchphone unveiled
What can you expect?
In 2010? An obscene amount of new kit and stunning new software too. Windows Mobile 7 is primed for an official airing alongside the much mooted Microsoft Zune phone. Samsung will doubtless drop more Bada deets, while some blowers, including the Sony Ericsson Vivaz, LG Mini and Nokia C5 are already out in the wild. And, of course, Motorola will be getting giddy about Android 2.1, with the Megan Fox-backed Devour ready to be kicked out of the door.
Who’ll be doing keynotes?
Every major manufacturer will be on hand to deliver first word on the best new kit before hungry hacks head to the central hall like jackals homing in on a kill. And, just like we did at CES, we’ll be on hand to liveblog the most important announcements.
We’re most het up about the speeches that’ll deliver some juicy morsels as well as all new phones. We’re talking Google CEO Eric Schmidt hopefully talking trash about the iPhone as well as his plans for Android domination; Daniel Ek of Spotify nattering about greater support for the music streaming colossus; and the BBC’s Erik Huggers, who will doubtless be chatting about plans for furthering the iPlayer’s already lengthy reach.
Why should you care?
As a gadget fan, it doesn’t get any bigger than Mobile World Congress. This isn’t just about phones, it’s about stunning new apps, great software and, more importantly, winners and losers. Last year HTC took all before them with the Magic, while Motorola rocked up with a couple of Windows Mobile efforts and were slated by all and sundry. This year? Well, we’ll have to wait and see.
We’ll be out in Barcelona covering Mobile World Congress and bringing you every major announcement as it happens. So make sure you keep it right here at Electricpig for all the news and gossip.
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