MWC 2021 Day One: Key Announcements & Highlights

MWC 2021: A Return to Barcelona Amidst Ongoing Challenges

Samsung UK’s James Kitto initiated this year’s press conference, expressing his enthusiasm for the return of Mobile World Congress. He conveyed the sentiments of the entire Samsung team in acknowledging their presence at MWC.

The Meaning of "Back" in a Changed Landscape

The significance of being “back” at MWC in 2021 is a complex question. Samsung, like numerous other major companies in the industry, had previously announced its non-participation in this year’s Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. This mirrored the situation of the previous year, where successive withdrawals by key players ultimately led to the event’s cancellation by the GSMA.

However, this year’s iteration of the event differs substantially due to several factors. Notably, the traditional late-February/early-March timing coincided directly with the initial spread of COVID-19 within the European Union.

Navigating the Pandemic: A Shift in Strategy

The organizing body benefited from an additional year to prepare for the challenges presented by the pandemic. A complete transition to a virtual format, similar to the CTA’s approach with CES, was a viable option.

While the initial virtual CES encountered some difficulties, hosting an in-person component before widespread vaccine availability would have introduced significant complications. COVID-19 remains a concern in Spain, and globally.

Despite these concerns, the GSMA proceeded with the event after postponing it from its usual dates. Extensive safety protocols have been implemented, and initial footage suggests that maintaining social distancing on the show floor will not be problematic.

Virtual Participation and Strategic Partnerships

It is reasonable to assume that the majority of attendees are participating remotely, including many of the vendors themselves. Samsung, a prominent company, delivered a pre-recorded virtual press conference.

Companies may still recognize the value of associating with such events, even in a virtual capacity, or perhaps the ongoing partnerships with the GSMA are deemed worthwhile. One might speculate whether some sponsored sessions were simply unavoidable commitments.

Samsung's Focus on Future Announcements

Samsung’s presentation, while significant, largely served as a prelude to future announcements. The most notable news involved an expansion of a partnership with Google, initially revealed at Google I/O last month. The remainder of the stream primarily highlighted an upcoming Unpacked event scheduled for later this summer.

The event concluded with a stark black and white slide proclaiming “See you soon at the next Unpacked,” reinforcing the absence of new hardware reveals.

Lenovo's Hardware Showcase

Lenovo, in contrast, actively showcased new products. This is partly attributable to the company’s frequent hardware releases, making MWC a suitable platform for announcements.

Their announcements included a new iteration of the Smart Clock Google Assistant alarm clock, featuring integrated wireless charging pads. Several tablets were also unveiled, such as the Yoga Tab 11 and 13, equipped with a unique combination hanger/kickstand. The 13-inch model can even function as an external monitor, maximizing the utility of the kickstand.

TCL's Innovative Displays and Smartphones

TCL preemptively announced the NXTWEAR G, a wearable OLED cinema display. This headmounted device simulates a 140-inch display with a 16:9 aspect ratio. They also provided a more detailed look at the 20 Pro 5G, slated for release in the United States at a price of $499.99, featuring a Snapdragon 750G processor and a headphone jack.

Looking Ahead

These represent the key highlights from the event thus far. With MWC continuing through July 1st, there remains ample opportunity for further announcements, regardless of the level of in-person attendance.