Global mobile industry showcases latest innovations at MWC 2023 in Barcelona-Xinhua
People walk past a sign of the 2023 edition of Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, on February 27, 2023. (Source: Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)
Highlights include the latest smartphones and accessories such as smartwatches, tablets and headsets, as well as new technologies with 5G and 6G connectivity, virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence and electric vehicles.
BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 28 (Xinhua) — From foldable phones to rollable screens, the latest technological innovations in the mobile communications industry will be showcased at the 2023 Mobile World Congress (MWC), held here from Feb. 27 to March 2.
The latest smartphones and accessories such as smartwatches, tablets and headsets are an important part of the show, alongside other technologies such as 5G and 6G connectivity, virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence (AI) and even electric vehicles.
“Whether you are a mobile operator, a startup, a major traffic originator or a public body, there has never been a more exciting and rewarding time to be in this industry,” Mats Granryd, Director General of the GSMA, which organizes the show said in its opening remarks on Monday.
Visitors taste products made by Chinese smartphone maker Honor at the 2023 edition of Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, Feb. 27, 2023. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)
Connectivity is a key theme, especially with the rollout of 5G technology. According to the GSMA, an industry group representing the world’s largest mobile operators, 5G connections are expected to double in the next two years and reach two billion by the end of 2025, with 6G connectivity already on the horizon.
Granryd also spoke about the usage gap as one of the biggest challenges facing the mobile industry today. “We need to work across the ecosystem to remove the barriers that are mobile affordability and digital skills and competencies, and create relevant content in local languages to ensure everyone can safely access the mobile internet.”
The GSMA estimates that 3.2 billion people around the world are prevented from reaping the benefits of access to digital services. This year’s MWC also has a dedicated section to raise awareness of the usage gap and promote digital inclusion.
Photo taken on Feb. 27, 2023 shows a product launch event hosted by Chinese smartphone maker Honor at the 2023 edition of Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)
Immersive technology, whether virtual, augmented or mixed reality, is another area well represented at the show, along with the potential of the metaverse coupled with 5G, AI and wearables to not only deliver immersive entertainment, but the expand educational opportunities. health and industry.
The show will also feature demonstrations of the industry-wide Open Gateway initiative, supported by 21 major mobile operators, which aims to help developers and cloud providers improve and deliver services faster through single entry points to operator networks.
Photo taken on Feb. 26, 2023 shows Chinese tech company Xiaomi’s new product launch event in Barcelona, Spain. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)
Industry City is also back after its presentation at last year’s MWC, with the aim of achieving “everything digitally”. Industry City invites speakers from across the industry to demonstrate how multiple sectors can leverage the latest technology to add value to businesses and enrich the customer experience.
The MWC also hosts a Manufacturing Summit, a FinTech Summit and a Smart Mobility Summit each day, where speakers discuss solutions for areas such as the digitization of global factory lines and facilities, the industrial metaverse, automation or the fight against financial crime.
This year’s event also features the Journey to the Future, an immersive storytelling space, a new zone to showcase the full potential of disruptive technologies in health, sustainability, retail, sports, mobility, entertainment and robotics.
Visitors try on VR headsets at the 2023 edition of Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, 27 February 2023. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)■