The Mobile World Congress (MWC) trade fair is set to take place in Barcelona, Spain, from February 28 to March 3, 2022. This event is the world's biggest and most influential meeting for the mobile tech industry, and it is expected to attract up to 80,000 visitors from as many as 200 countries and territories.
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The show has evolved from a forum for mobile phone standards into a showcase for new wireless tech. At this year's event, visitors can expect to see the latest folding-screen smartphones, immersive metaverse experiences, AI-powered chatbot avatars, and other eye-catching technology.
The metaverse, a virtual world where users can connect with each other and attend events, is expected to be a major focus at the event. Companies will demonstrate their metaverse experiences, including virtual and augmented reality tours of cities like Dubai and demos for physical rehab, virtual clothing try-ons, and aircraft landing gear repair training.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is another area of interest at MWC. Companies will show how they're using AI to make home Wi-Fi networks more energy-efficient and sniff out fakes.
Microsoft's representatives hinted that they might have a demonstration of ChatGPT, an AI chatbot technology they added to their Bing search engine. Startups will also showcase their own AI-powered chat technology, such as D-ID's "digital human" avatars and Botslovers' service to "free humans from boring tasks.
While smartphones used to dominate the show, the focus has shifted to potential uses for 5G, the next generation of ultrafast wireless technology that promises to unlock innovation beyond smartphones.
Companies will showcase automated factories, driverless cars, and smart cities.
Device launches will be dominated by lesser-known Chinese brands such as OnePlus, Xiaomi, ZTE, and Honor, looking to take market share from the market leaders, Apple and Samsung.
Despite being blacklisted by Western governments due to concerns over technology and security, Chinese technology giant Huawei will have a major presence at the event.
The company has been accused of carrying out cybersnooping or sabotage of critical communications infrastructure, but Huawei denies these allegations.
With the biggest presence among some 2,000 exhibitors, Huawei may be sending a message of defiance to the West.