Mobile World Congress (MWC) is one of the largest and most influential events in the mobile industry, where manufacturers, carriers, and software companies unveil their latest products and strategies. The 2015 and 2016 editions were particularly packed with major announcements, ranging from flagship smartphones to innovative wearables and new software initiatives. This article recaps the most significant stories from those shows, providing a detailed overview of what was presented and the context behind each news.
2016 Highlights
At MWC 2016, Acer announced the Liquid Jade 2 smartphone, which stood out for its innovative storage solution. The device featured a technology that allowed for up to 1TB of storage, combining internal memory and microSD expansion in a way the company termed 'hybrid' storage. This was designed to attract users who need ample space for media and apps. The Liquid Jade 2 was positioned as a flagship model, continuing the Liquid Jade line’s reputation for solid specifications and design.
Lenovo also made waves at the 2016 show by introducing the new TAB3 tablet lineup. These devices were aimed at the budget-friendly segment, offering affordable Android tablets with decent specifications. The TAB3 series included multiple sizes and configurations, targeting both casual consumers and business users. Lenovo emphasized the tablets' durability and value, hoping to compete with Amazon’s Fire tablets and other low-cost options.
HTC used MWC 2016 to unveil four new mid-range Android devices. The global version of the One X9, previously only available in Asia, was introduced alongside three new Desire models. The Desire phones featured a distinctive 'Micro Splash' design, which gave them a water-repellent coating to protect against splashes and light rain. This was a unique selling point for devices in this price range. The One X9 offered a metal unibody and a large display, aiming to provide a premium experience at a lower cost.
Sony’s presence at MWC 2016 was marked by leaks rather than official announcements just before the event. Evan Blass, known for his accurate leaks, shared images of a mysterious Sony smartphone called 'Xperia PP10' (likely a codename) and a tiny accessory named the 'Smart Ear.' The Smart Ear resembled Motorola’s Hint, a small Bluetooth earbud. These leaks generated excitement about Sony’s potential new products, though the company itself remained tight-lipped.
LG used MWC 2016 to generate buzz for its upcoming flagship, the G5. The company sent out invitations for a press event on February 21st, with the tagline 'Play begins.' LG’s mobile chief Cho Jun-ho hinted that the G5 would be 'radically different' from its predecessor, suggesting major design and feature changes. Speculation centered on a modular design that would allow users to swap out components like batteries and camera modules. This was a bold move to differentiate the G5 in a market dominated incremental updates.
In the lead-up to MWC 2016, the security-focused Blackphone 2 became available for pre-order, though it was originally announced at MWC 2015. The Blackphone 2 ran Silent OS, a privacy-enhanced version of Android, and targeted enterprise users who prioritize data security. The pre-order signaled the company’s shift away from consumer sales to bulk enterprise deals.
2015 Highlights
The 2015 edition of Mobile World Congress was especially rich with major product launches and strategic announcements. Huawei reported a 33 percent increase in profits for 2014, driven largely by LTE expansion in China. The company also unveiled its first Android Wear smartwatch, the Huawei Watch, at the event. The Huawei Watch was praised for its elegant design, featuring a round face and premium materials such as stainless steel and leather bands. It was one of the most attractive wearables of its time, competing directly with the Moto 360.
HTC One M9 was officially announced on March 1, 2015, with CEO Peter Chou taking the stage in Barcelona. The M9 featured a 20-megapixel rear camera with sapphire lens cover and ran Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 810 processor. It came in four colors, including a two-tone finish. The phone was available in late March, with a price of $649 on B&H’s website. The One M9 also introduced a new DotView case that could display custom patterns on the front.
Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge at a separate Unpacked event during MWC 2015. These devices marked a significant design departure from earlier Samsung phones, using a combination of glass and metal instead of plastic. The S6 edge featured a dual-curved display that wrapped around the sides, offering unique functionality. Samsung emphasized the premium build quality and the phones' powerful Exynos processors.
Google had a strong presence at MWC 2015, with Sundar Pichai interviewed onstage discussing Android Pay, Project Titan (Google’s drone internet project), and the company’s potential MVNO plans. The company also promoted its 'Be together. Not the same.' campaign with Androidify characters, releasing basketball-themed ads and distributing pins at the show. This campaign aimed to unify Android users while celebrating diversity.
Sony announced the Xperia Z4 Tablet and the Xperia M4 smartphone at MWC 2015. The Z4 Tablet was claimed to be the world’s slimmest 10-inch tablet, with a 2K display and Snapdragon 810 processor. It was designed for both entertainment and productivity, with a lightweight magnesium body. The Xperia M4 was a mid-range phone that offered waterproofing and a decent camera, targeting users who want flagship features at a lower price.
Alcatel introduced the Idol 3 series, which were budget smartphones that still offered solid performance. The series included a 4.7-inch model and a 5.5-inch model, both running Android 5.0 Lollipop. The Hero 2+ was also announced, featuring a larger display and higher specs. Alcatel aimed to compete in the affordable segment by offering good build quality and software experience.
Leaks of the Samsung Galaxy S6 appeared before the official launch, with T-Mobile accidentally revealing the device’s curved profile in a promotional image. A purported Sprint promo image also surfaced, showing the S6 in what appeared to be a gold color. These leaks confirmed the new design language and build materials ahead of the official announcement.
Google’s ad campaign at MWC 2015 included a video titled 'Young Together,' which showed Androidify characters playing basketball. This was part of a broader marketing push to reinforce the idea that Android brings people together while allowing individual expression.
The HTC One M9’s announcement was preceded by teases from HTC Ireland about a 'bigger boom,' referring to improved speakers. Leaks from @upleaks revealed the phone would come in Dark Gunmetal and Gold colors, among others. A system dump of the M9’s software showed that Sense 7 was not drastically different from Sense 6, disappointing some who hoped for a major redesign.
LG also hinted at its future plans at MWC 2015, with Cho Jun-ho stating that the upcoming LG G4 would be 'radically different' and that a more powerful device series was in the works. The G4 eventually launched with a leather back and a curved display.
Finally, the Blackphone 2, which was announced at MWC 2015, became available for pre-order in August 2015. It ran Silent OS and was aimed at security-conscious users. The company focused on enterprise sales, making the device available at an unadvertised price to bulk buyers.
Overall, Mobile World Congress 2015 and 2016 set the stage for many of the trends that defined the following years, including modular design, improved build quality, and the rise of wearables. The event remains a crucial platform for manufacturers to showcase their innovations and compete for consumer attention.
Source: 9to5Google News