Mobile World Congress (MWC) is one of the most anticipated events in the mobile industry, where manufacturers unveil their latest innovations. The 2015 and 2016 editions were particularly eventful, with a wide range of devices and technologies showcased. Below is a detailed roundup of the headlines and key facts from every story covered during these conferences.
Acer announces Liquid Jade 2 smartphone at MWC w/ 1TB ‘hybrid’ storage
Acer introduced the Liquid Jade 2, its latest flagship smartphone, featuring a unique 1TB hybrid storage solution that combines internal memory with expandable options. The device was part of Acer's MWC 2016 lineup, emphasizing high storage capacity for users.
Lenovo shows off new inexpensive TAB3 tablet lineup at MWC
Lenovo unveiled its TAB3 series of tablets, priced affordably to compete in the budget segment. The lineup included multiple models designed for everyday use, targeting consumers looking for cost-effective Android tablets.
HTC unveils new global One X9, three new Desire models w/ unique ‘Micro Splash’ design
HTC announced the global version of the One X9, previously available only in Asia, along with three new Desire smartphones. The Desire models featured a distinctive 'Micro Splash' design, offering water resistance and mid-range specifications.
Sony ‘Xperia PP10’ and ‘Smart Ear’ accessory leak before Sony event tomorrow
Evan Blass leaked images of a mysterious Sony smartphone, possibly named Xperia PP10, alongside a new accessory called the Sony Smart Ear. The leak came just before Sony's MWC 2016 event, hinting at new products.
Opinion: Can the LG G5’s ‘modular’ features breathe new life into the smartphone market?
An opinion piece explored the potential of LG G5's modular design, which allowed users to swap out components. The article discussed how this innovation might revitalize the smartphone industry by offering customizable hardware.
LG sends out invites for its Mobile World Congress event on February 21st
LG dispatched invitations for its MWC 2016 press event scheduled for February 21. The invite featured a jack-in-the-box and the slogan 'Play begins,' teasing the announcement of the LG G5.
Security-focused Blackphone 2 now available for pre-order, shipping next month – but no price yet
The Blackphone 2, first announced at MWC 2015, became available for pre-order with an expected shipment the following month. The device ran on Silent OS, an Android-based system focused on privacy and security, targeting enterprise customers.
Huawei’s profits climb by a third to $46B, expects 20% revenue rise this year
Huawei reported a 33% increase in profits, reaching $46.51 billion in revenue for 2014. The company projected a 20% revenue rise for the following year, driven largely by LTE expansion in China. At MWC 2015, Huawei also announced its first Android Wear smartwatch.
HTC One M9 shows up on B&H website for $649, available March 25th
The HTC One M9 briefly appeared on retailer B&H's website with a $649 price tag and a March 25 release date. The listing was later removed, but it confirmed the device's pricing and availability.
LG G4 to be ‘radically different,’ phone more powerful than the G series in the works
LG's mobile chief Cho Jun-ho stated that the upcoming LG G4 would be 'radically different' from its predecessors, featuring a metal body and LG UX 4.0. Additionally, LG was working on a new device series with more powerful specs than the current G series.
Androidify characters are back again in Google’s ‘Selfie Slam’ ad (Video)
Google released a new 'Selfie Slam' advertisement using Androidify characters at MWC 2015. The ad continued the 'Be together. Not the same.' campaign, featuring a basketball theme.
Google pushing ‘Be together. Not the same.’ at MWC, shares ‘Young Together’ Android ad
Google heavily promoted its 'Be together. Not the same.' mantra at MWC 2015, including an interview with Sundar Pichai and the release of a 'Young Together' ad. The campaign aimed to celebrate diversity on Android.
This is the Huawei Watch, an extremely elegant and attractive Android Wear entry
Huawei introduced its first Android Wear smartwatch, the Huawei Watch, at MWC 2015. The device was praised for its elegant and attractive design, setting a high bar for wearables.
Sony announces Xperia Z4 tablet w/ 10.1-inch 2K display & mid-range Xperia M4 smartphone
Sony unveiled the Xperia Z4 Tablet, the world's slimmest 10-inch tablet at the time, with a 2K display and Snapdragon 810 processor. The company also announced the Xperia M4, a mid-range smartphone with waterproofing.
Sundar Pichai talks MVNO, Android Pay, Project Titan, more at Mobile World Congress
In an interview at MWC 2015, Google's Sundar Pichai discussed plans for an MVNO, Android Pay, and Project Titan (drones for internet access). He also touched on Android's role in virtual reality.
Samsung announces Galaxy S6 and S6 edge w/ new glass & metal designs, available April 10
Samsung launched the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge at MWC 2015, abandoning plastic for glass and metal. The devices featured an improved camera and were set to release on April 10.
Alcatel’s Idol 3 series announced, great budget smartphones for 2015 (Video)
Alcatel revealed the Idol 3 series, consisting of 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch variants, running Android 5.0 Lollipop. These budget smartphones offered solid performance at competitive prices.
Watch Samsung’s Unpacked 2015 Galaxy S6 event here (Livestream)
Samsung provided a livestream of its Unpacked 2015 event at MWC, where it officially unveiled the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge. The event was available for online viewing.
HTC One M9 announced in 4 colors, 20MP sapphire camera, more – available this month
HTC CEO Peter Chou announced the One M9 at MWC 2015, featuring a 20MP sapphire camera, Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, and four color options. The device was set to ship later that month.
Watch the HTC One M9 ‘Utopia in Progress’ event here (Livestream)
HTC streamed its 'Utopia in Progress' event live from MWC 2015, where the One M9 was officially introduced. The event highlighted the phone's design and features.
Latest sketchy image of Samsung Galaxy S6 – a claimed Sprint promo
A purported Sprint promotional image of the Samsung Galaxy S6 surfaced on Reddit, showing the device's curved display. The leak was considered unverified but consistent with previous rumors.
HTC teases ‘bigger boom’ for upcoming HTC One M9
HTC Ireland teased the One M9's enhanced BoomSound speakers with a video six days before the MWC 2015 announcement. The tagline 'bigger boom' suggested improved audio.
HTC One M9 purportedly coming in both ‘Dark Gunmetal’ & ‘Gold’ color variants
Leaks from @upleaks indicated that the HTC One M9 would be available in Dark Gunmetal and Gold color options. A system dump also revealed the Sense 7 software features.
T-Mobile shows us the best picture yet of the Samsung Galaxy S6
T-Mobile's 'Six Appeal' microsite displayed a clear image of the Galaxy S6's profile with a curved display, confirming the design ahead of the MWC 2015 announcement.
This roundup covers the most significant announcements from Mobile World Congress 2015 and 2016, highlighting the trends and innovations that shaped the mobile landscape. From modular smartphones to vibrant Android ads, MWC continues to be a key platform for companies to showcase their vision for the future of mobile technology.
Source: 9to5Google News