5G Technology World

  • 5G Technology and Engineering
  • FAQs
  • Apps
  • Devices
  • IoT
  • RF
  • Radar
  • Wireless Design
  • Learn
    • 5G Videos
    • Ebooks
    • EE Training Days
    • FAQs
    • Learning Center
    • Tech Toolboxes
    • Webinars/Digital Events
  • Handbooks
    • 2024
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
  • Resources
    • Design Guide Library
    • EE World Digital Issues
    • Engineering Diversity & Inclusion
    • Engineering Training Days
    • LEAP Awards
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

Which OEMs Could Use a Big MWC

By Ben Munson | February 4, 2014

Mobile World Congress isn’t for every phone maker. Hyped-up standalone product events from big players like Apple and Samsung have discouraged many companies from using annualFormer Nokia CEO Stephen Elop speaks at an event during Mobile World Congress in 2013 (Image: AP) trade shows as a venue for product announcements. Still, a few struggling OEMs could use the boost a high-profile MWC turn can provide, and more will show off products just to parse out the sheer volume of devices they’ll be launching during the coming year.

“For a while everyone was announcing at the big events so everyone was drowning in noise,” said Recon Analytics’ Roger Entner. “Now everybody does their own and so I think nowadays [MWC is] actually a great opportunity to launch something.”

Nokia and BlackBerry could all really use a successful MWC but if rumors shape up, Samsung might steal the show.

Nokia

Barcelona will be big for Nokia Solutions and Networks, with a focus on LTE-Advanced technology like carrier aggregation and enhanced inter-cell interference coordination. But following Nokia’s so-so fourth quarter—the last before Microsoft snaps up its device business for $7.4 billion—the Finnish phonemaker might like to see off its storied handsets with a rousing MWC. Nokia sent out cryptic invites for a Feb. 24 press event, asking guests to “Meet us under the tree.” There are rumors that Nokia will unveil “Normandy,” the Android-based Asha device. But with Windows Phone showing some life—IDC pointed to 156 percent annual growth in global market share for the OS—Nokia may just show up with its increasingly sustaining bread and butter.

Samsung

Samsung has invited press to a Feb. 23 Tizen event in Barcelona where it will preview upcoming devices for the fledgling OS and offer an update on Tizen’s development. There are also rumors that Samsung will unveil a “lite” version of its Galaxy Note 3. Samsung’s crown jewel, the upcoming “Galaxy S5,” was figured for another elaborate, theatrical standalone event like the bizarre stage show, Unpacked 4, that last year pulled back the curtain on the S4. But now Samsung has sent out the invitation for Unpacked 5 Episode 1, Feb. 24 in Barcelona. The event’s name suggests it could be the launch pad for the S5 and, if that’s true, that’s bad news for any other phone maker hoping to be heard at MWC.

BlackBerry

If any OEM in the entire universe needs to show up to MWC, it’s BlackBerry. The legendary Canadian manufacturer practically imploded last year, parting ways with CEO Thorsten Heins and more top executives, cutting more jobs and losing a staggering $1 billion in a quarter. But BlackBerry did get a new CEO in John Chen, known for his turnaround of software company Sybase, and a new manufacturing partner in Foxconn, the workforce behind Apple’s iPhone. If Foxconn is to be believed, then BlackBerry is intending to launch a new entry-level touchscreen phone aimed at emerging markets like Indonesia, a move that could begin a gradual turnaround in the consumer space for BlackBerry.


Filed Under: Devices

 

Next Article

← Previous Article
Next Article →

Related Articles Read More >

High-directivity couplers optimized for 225 – 750 MHz applications
Integrated into IoT devices, iSIM poised to make inroads
Triple-radio and multiprotocol MCUs add application processors
5G vectors
How RedCap fits into 5G and IoT

Featured Contributions

  • Overcome Open RAN test and certification challenges
  • Wireless engineers need AI to build networks
  • Why AI chips need PCIe 7.0 IP interconnects
  • circuit board timing How timing and synchronization improve 5G spectrum efficiency
  • Wi-Fi 7 and 5G for FWA need testing
More Featured Contributions

EE TECH TOOLBOX

“ee
Tech Toolbox: 5G Technology
This Tech Toolbox covers the basics of 5G technology plus a story about how engineers designed and built a prototype DSL router mostly from old cellphone parts. Download this first 5G/wired/wireless communications Tech Toolbox to learn more!

EE LEARNING CENTER

EE Learning Center
“5g
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for EE professionals.

Engineering Training Days

engineering
“bills
5G Technology World
  • Enews Signup
  • EE World Online
  • DesignFast
  • EDABoard Forums
  • Electro-Tech-Online Forums
  • Microcontroller Tips
  • Analogic Tips
  • Connector Tips
  • Engineer’s Garage
  • EV Engineering
  • Power Electronic Tips
  • Sensor Tips
  • Test and Measurement Tips
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy

Search 5G Technology World