We can’t believe Mobile World Congress 2018 is already around the corner and we are no-doubt excited for one of the biggest and greatest mobile events in the world. Last year MWC achieved record breaking attendance and was defined by some great launches in mobile, like the impressive Samsung Galaxy S8 and the modern classic Nokia 3310. However, this year the buzz is even bigger, with rumours and leaks hitting the headlines at super-speed. We’ve collated some announcements and developments that we’re most excited about so you know what you can expect from MWC 2018.
The Camera. Re-imagined.
Samsung Galaxy 9. Image source: 9to5google, https://9to5google.com/2018/02/22/samsung-galaxy-s9-pricing-leak/
We are more than ready for the Samsung 9 and 9+ announcement at MWC this year.
Firstly, the camera. This has been the focal point of Samsung’s latest smartphone release and recent spec releases boast impressive ‘Super Speed’ camera technology, with a Dual Pixel 12-megapixel rear camera sensor and the highly anticipated ‘Super Slow-mo’ mode along with optical image stabilisation.
Leading up to the event we’ve been privy to a leaked photos, specs, videos and pricing, but, now we have further insight into how users will be interacting with the device at the event. Reddit users decompiled the Samsung’s Unpacked 2018 app and unearthed an array of Galaxy S9 3D models, revealing that during the Galaxy S9 launch event on Sunday, February 25, attendees will be able to scan their invite and view the new handset in Augmented Reality using the app.
MajorKEY
Blackberry KEYone. Image source: Christian Today, https://www.christiantoday.com/article/blackberry-keyone-2-release-date-specs-news-follow-up-device-in-development/117296.htm
The KEYone took MWC by storm last year (surprisingly!) and we’re intrigued to see what they’ll be releasing this year at the event. BlackBerry has confirmed that it will be launching “at least” two phones this year, and whilst they’ve been keeping it far more hush-hush than Samsung, Blackberry fans predict it will be the KeyTwo or KeyOne 2. Let’s see if the new releases will be as successful as last year’s.
Hey Google…any surprises at MWC this year?
Google Assistant. Image source: BBC https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-39096355
Yesterday Google released a blog post that unveiled their aspirations for MWC this year. Including the announcement of new Android devices, they expressed an interest in expanding the reach of Google Assistant, stating that we should expect the “growing industry momentum around RCS” and showcases of the “latest from Google including Google Assistant and Lens.” Bring it on, Google.
“Sorry for radio silence…
Juho Sarvikas at MWC 2017. Image source: Hardware Zone https://www.hardwarezone.com.my/tech-news-mwc-2017-nokia-announces-nokia-6-nokia-5-and-nokia-3-hmd-globals-help
…been super busy planning #MWC2018 . Please expect it to be awesome,” is the notable tweet from Juho Sarvikas, Chief Product Officer, HMD Global and home of Nokia phones.
Nokia rose from the dead last year at MWC, hitting the headlines with the release of a modern take on a vintage classic, the Nokia 3310.
HMD global have confirmed that they will be hosting an event this year at MWC, and you know what that means…we can expect a whole array of hardware releases including the Nokia 1, Nokia 4, Nokia 7, Nokia 8 (2018), and Nokia 9.
Hall 8.1 – App Planet
MWC 2017, record breaking attendance. Image source: GSMA https://www.gsma.com/newsroom/press-release/record-breaking-year-for-gsma-mobile-world-congress-as-108000-attend/
Last year we predicted that App Planet hall will grow in 2018, as more businesses will find that they fall into this category. Since last year, we’ve seen new platforms popping up at a rapid speed and, as a result, there will likely be a continued increase in the range of businesses that consider attending MWC. This is where we’ll be hanging out for the majority the event this year, so make sure you come and say hi to the Yodel Mobile team!
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