BARCELONA: The world’s largest mobile phone conference will open its doors in Barcelona on February 26, with the industry turning to artificial intelligence to combat declining sales.
Manufacturers are anticipated to showcase the unique AI-powered features of their latest devices at the four-day Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, expected to draw 95,000 attendees and 2,400 exhibitors from around the world. The event will run until Thursday. Telecom operators will also use the occasion to explore how AI can enhance their operations, from improving security to providing better customer service.
According to Thomas Husson, a principal analyst at Forrester, AI is now ubiquitous and is driving innovation in various aspects of the sector. Husson believes that AI has the potential to revitalize the industry.
Despite a 3.2% decline in global smartphone shipments to 1.17 billion units in 2023, there is optimism as shipments increased by 8.5% in the fourth quarter to 326.1 million units. This suggests that momentum is moving swiftly toward recovery following a period of slower upgrades due to lack of innovation, high inflation and economic uncertainties.
Both Google and Samsung have recently launched new flagship devices with advanced AI-powered features, such as enhanced photo editing and improved online search capabilities. Smaller manufacturers such as China’s Honor are also expected to unveil new devices at the event.
Honor’s new flagship phone includes a camera with AI motion-sensing capabilities, allowing it to detect and automatically capture a picture of a moving object at the optimal moment.
According to Peter Jarich, head of intelligence at telecoms industry group GSMA, the event has provided a better understanding of how operators and the mobile industry can leverage AI to their advantage, following its initial foray at the previous MWC in 2023.
The annual congress, which has been held in Barcelona since 2006, originally focused on phones but has expanded to include various connected devices like drones and robots. Among the intriguing devices on display will be the working model of what US firm Alef Aeronautics claims is the world’s first “real” flying car, as well as a lifelike robotic dog by Tecno Mobile that can comprehend voice commands.
Aside from AI, discussions at the event are expected to revolve around the consolidation of the European telecoms market after the EU approved the merger of the Spanish operations of Orange with its Spanish rival Mas Movil. Additionally, the issue of whether big tech companies should contribute to the cost of deploying the networks their products rely on, commonly referred to as “fair share”, is anticipated to be debated.
Furthermore, the event takes place just weeks after Catalonia’s regional government declared a drought emergency in Barcelona and the surrounding area, indicating stricter water use restrictions, especially for agriculture. Ways to encourage water conservation will also be emphasized as water reservoir levels are at historic lows.
“Many people who are not from the area might not realize we are in the midst of a drought,” remarked the director general of GSMA. “We will strive to ensure that people consume and save water as much as possible.” – AFP
