Mobile World Congress is drawing to a close. But in between the Android tablets, next-gen smartphones and bonkers concepts there’s a different level of lunacy. Read on, see our five favourite in-show moments from Mobile World Congress, and get a taste for the show beyond smartphones.
Hello Rebecca Bonbon
You’ve seen Hello Kitty, right? You’re aware of her work? That infuriating character crops up on every accessory you can imagine (and some you can’t). But the dynasty could soon be over. Meet its successor: Rebecca Bonbon. Designed by the same people, and bound to be marketed in the same way. Question is, does it have the same obsessive appeal?
Windows Phone will be big this year… honest
How big? 12 feet tall, at least. Microsoft might’ve lost a bit of the MWC limelight to Android, but what it loses in pure floor space it makes up in sheer vertical size. Nokia, you have some mighty big shoes to fill with your first Windows Phone device.
The Sims: Mobile World Congress edition
EA’s finest were drafted in to promote Sony Ericsson’s Xperia Play, wandering around Mobile World Congress and bothering delegates. Their technicolour clowning was one of our favourite show stunts, particularly their habit of following unsuspecting visitors for up to an hour, standing behind them and copying their movements exactly.
Firefox: X-rated edition
We’re pretty sure these are supposed to be Victory Vs, but poor old Firefox has flicked them the wrong way ‘round. The result is the rudest mascot we’ve seen for some time. Next time we load Mozilla’s browser, we’ll be double clicking with our middle finger.
Dignity: Model’s own
We’re not going to dignify the company responsible for this misogynistic travesty with a plug, a link, or even a mention. You can figure out who’s responsible yourself, and it’s evidence if needed that some mobile firms, while hawking next-gen kit, have their marketing teams rooted thoroughly in Neanderthal times.
And an added bonus:
Googl’s Android stand was an adventure land of neon green, with Android smoothies on tap, and even an honest to goodness slide for eager journalists and mobile industry execs acting well below their age. Check out all the pictures here!
