Since it first began in 1987, the MWC (Mobile World Congress) conference has been exhibiting the latest releases and breakthroughs in mobile technology, and here at e2save we’re more excited than a child of overweight stature in a popular confectionary retail outlet. Kicking off in Barcelona on 27th February, this year’s MWC conference will see prominent chief execs and techno-gurus from the world’s largest mobile manufacturers come together to promote and reveal their newest products.
Ahead of the event, expectation has gone into overdrive, and we’re happy to jump on the gossip bandwagon, bringing to you our favourite rumours and hear-say ahead of the 2012 MWC conference.
One of the most expected releases for the MWC conference is a new Sony handset. Sony are rather fond of releasing handsets named after letters of the alphabet – who knows, maybe they’re hoping to create the most expensive game of scrabble ever – and gossip ahead of this year’s MWC conference is that that the newest releases will be the XPERIA P (that’s worth 3 points scrabble fans) and also the Xperia U (just 1 point). Also said to be named the Nypon, the XPERIA P is thought to come with specs resembling a 1 GHz dual-core processor, an 8 megapixel camera, and a 4 inch qHD display. Also don’t be surprised to see the even-more-high-end Sony XPERIA Arc HD, packing a dual-core 1.5GHz processor with 1GB of RAM. Don’t take this as gospel truth however, we’re just whispering rumours from behind the bikeshed.
Ahead of the MWC conference, LG have officially confirmed three new handsets: The Optimus L7, Optimus L5 and Optimus L3 (check out the currently LG phones). Their biggest reveal is still the stuff of rumour though, with most of the chatter discussing the possibleunveiling of the X3. With more anticipation that a group of tweenage girls queuing for the latest Twilight movie, the internet has been abuzz with talk of the company’s first ever phone to feature a quad-core processor and Android 4.0. Also expect a 4.7 inch HD screen and an 8 megapixel camera, but you’ll have to wait for reports from the MWC conference to know for sure.
Another addition to the Lumia series?
News from the Nokia camp mainly concerns the Nokia Lumia 910. Following the arrival of the 900 at CES last month, the MWC conference would be the perfect location for the Nokia family to announce the arrival of another little buddle of joy for the Lumia household. So what’s the difference between the two devices? Well, we expect the 910 to be aimed at the European market, as well as featuring a few tweaks, updates, and improvements on the recent 900, namely a rumoured 12 megapixel camera. Further evidencethat the Nokia family have been reproducing like rabbits comes with another four possible products making an appearance at the MWC conference. Expect to see an Asha 202, 203 and 302, as well as the mid-range Lumia 730.
Will we see an S3?
Samsung stole the show in 2011with the huge Samsung Galaxy S2, which proved to be a runaway success, and is currently the main competitor of the iPhone. Don’t expect its successor, the Samsung Galaxy S3, to be making an appearance at this year’s MWC conference however, because, well, Samsung have announced that it won’t. Further speculation is that Samsung may not even make an appearance altogether, opting for an Apple-style solo showcase sometime in the future as they continue to draw battle lines against the fruity one.
It’s not been totally quiet on the Samsung frontthough, with the unveiling of the high-end Galaxy Ace 2, and the more budget Galaxy Mini 2 ahead of the MWC conference.The Ace 2 brings 800MHz dual-core processor with a 3.8-inch screen, a 5 megapixel camera and 768MB of RAM. The Mini 2 800MHZ single-core processor, a 3 megapixel camera, and as its name suggests, a 3.27 inch screen.If Samsung do show up at MWC (and they most probably will) expect to see these two items showcased, even if not as exclusives, as well as the possible Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 keeping the tablet end up.
While Samsung may look to be on the verge of sitting this one out, HTC in stark contrast are looking to really get involved. On 26th February, the eve of the MWC conference, HTC have invited the press to a specially organised event. What they are planning to announce can only be speculated, but it looks like Apple and Samsung may have a strong competition in waiting, as HTC prepare to strap on their spandex jumpsuits and wrestle with the big boys. All sorts of product names are being floated about, namely the HTC Endeavour (formerly known as the Edge). With a rumoured quad core processor, a 3.7 inch screen, 1GB RAM and an 8MP camera, it certainly looks set to give the market leaders a few sleepless nights. But the Endeavour isn’t a solo, um, endeavour, as a whole series of HTC smartphones expected to be unveiled in the proposed ‘One’ series. The Endeavour is likely to be referred to as the One X, while other names we’ve heard, such as the Ville and Pinto are expected to be the One S and One V respectively. Will this be a smartphone family to rival Samsung’s popular Galaxy series? Only time, and indeed the MWC conference, will tell.
So, like some kind of technologically minded Mystic Meg, they’re our main predictions for the MWC conference. Stay local to the e2save community page for further information and updates following the event.
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