WITH THE dust settling on the Consumer Electronics Show, attention is turning to Spain, where mobile companies are gathering for the GSMA Mobile World Congress 2010.
Held in Barcelona, the four-day event showcases the great and good of all the mobile world has to offer. The conference will be full of firms demonstrating their products and services, including handsets and new software and games.
Starting today, the exhibition will include all aspects of the mobile industry, from major global mobile firms like Sony Ericsson, Nokia and LG, to smaller companies that are making an impression on local markets.
There has been much speculation about Microsoft’s possible announcements today. There have been rumours that the tech giant is preparing to launch a Zune phone, although it is expected that the announcement will concentrate on an updated version of mobile phone operating system.
The event will also introduce a slew of new handsets. Mobile maker HTC is hotly tipped to unveil some new models, as are Samsung and Sony Ericsson. LG has already announced what it will bring to the party; among its latest developments is its newest Android phone, the GT450. There is speculation that rival Nokia will show off its C Series phones. Elsewhere, browser maker Opera Software plans to reveal Opera Mini for the iPhone at the event.
However, it is not all about the major mobile companies. The event also gives smaller firms a platform to reach out to operators and others in the industry.
A number of Irish exhibitors are attending the event with Enterprise Ireland. These include Jivo Technologies, which makes accessories for iPhones. It will be showcasing its new biodegradeable polymer protective case for the handset. Jivo’s John McHugh said the new accessory is being made in Ireland instead of overseas, supporting Irish jobs.
Redmere meanwhile, will preview a new portable connection for high-definition video. The company used its technology to create the cable for use with mobile applications to allow users to view pictures and watch videos in high definition on a HDTV.
Other Irish attendees include mobile advertising network Digital Reach Group, one of Enterprise Ireland’s start-ups; Dublin software firm Openet; messaging services firm Anam Mobile and Newbay, which enables mobile operators to provide social media capabilities.
The market for mobile applications is rising, with Apple’s App Store boasting in excess of 140,000 apps and Android building on its 20,000 in the Android Marketplace.
