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Samsung at MWC - all guns blazing on fibre optics, 5G and the Internet of Things
by Dominik Bärlocher
Tech Trends After the MWC: A look into the future of mobile technology
2.3.2017
Translation: machine translated
The Mobile World Congress MWC in Barcelona is over. In addition to flagships and surprises on the smartphone market, we took a look into the future. Here are some speculative answers to the question "What's coming in a year's time?"
Thinner, lighter, faster seems to be over when we look at the stands at the Mobile World Congress 2017 in Barcelona. The trend is moving away from ultra-light, ultra-fast flagships and towards devices that are focussed on a specific customer segment. In a conversation in the queue at MWC, we took stock. Where is the technology industry heading? What is coming? What do we hope for?
Wireless gives cable a run for its money
The implications, among others:
- Live streaming in VR
- No network cables
- Gigabit over the air
I'm sure that with the last point alone you have about a dozen use cases that I'm not listing here. Because I have them. But think about it: 5G in your pocket means that all the computing power you used to have to carry around with you can be somewhere. All you really need is a 5G device and a screen. Because with just a few milliseconds of latency, you can even live with it when gaming.
In economic terms, however, this means that the pressure on mobile phone providers will be great. Arguments such as "We'll have a 5G network in five years" will no longer be valid after the launch of these devices. Because 5G will not simply be an upgrade. 5G will herald a new technological era.
Flagships are getting thinner
The big brands in the smartphone business are continuing to pursue the trend of thinner, faster, lighter smartphones. But they will also place more importance on another form factor: haptics. Smartphones have levelled off in terms of size between four and six inches diagonally and the shape of the rectangle with rounded corners is not only the most efficient but also the established shape of a smartphone. But customers want one-handed operation back.
LG is taking a first step in the direction of the large smartphone with easier operation with the G6. The smartphone has an 18:9 aspect ratio, which makes the screen slimmer and the phone easier to handle. In terms of hardware, the screen format also gives manufacturers enough space to install the phone's intelligence and a powerful battery under the screen.
We expect other manufacturers to pick up on this trend and the screen format will catch on.
Away with fragility
In the past few days, we have thrown smartphones into the water, dropped steel balls on them, scratched the screen with a cutter knife and hit it with a hammer. In between, we threw devices into the water and then threw them across the room "to dry". The phones still worked afterwards, which is quite good because otherwise we would probably have got into trouble with the manufacturers.
I can tell you one thing: it feels good to do violence to a smartphone. For years, we have taken care of these fragile devices. Not a drop of water should get on it. Every time the device falls, it's a moment of shock. Is the expensive device ruined? Do I need a replacement? No more of that! And that's a very, very good thing.
This now seems to be a thing of the past. It's not just flagship brands that rely on IP 68 certification. Devices are becoming more robust and water-resistant, making our everyday lives more carefree.
The appeal of width is disappearing
Software-wise, we've seen Android versions for kids, security freaks, photo buffs and social media fanatics.
In short, the word "all-purpose" seems to be a thing of the past. Android as an open platform is becoming more flexible than ever. Experts are familiar with this from the Linux operating system, where there are x distributions with very specific use cases.
Everything gets smart, Bluetooth stays
A design study of a Smart Car. It has no windows and no door opening devices.All these devices talk to a smartphone that accompanies the user in everyday life. We have not found a device that does not rely on Bluetooth as a communication technology.
The trend away from products for the masses is also recognisable here. Smartwatches are now available especially for children, the water bottles should appeal to iPhone fans, at least in terms of design, and we didn't recognise at first glance who would like blinking eyes on power banks. But these people now have something that is made for them.
Ecosystems are rare, but strong
Apple is dethroned as a design pioneer
At the launch of the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus, Apple abolished the 3.5 mm headphone jack. I and other observers on the scene expected this to herald a trend that would lead to the abolition of the long-established connector. We were wrong.
It's obvious that there's enough room for the jack in larger devices like the LG G6, but smaller phones also retain the jack. For comparison: The new iPhone is 7.1mm thick. The new Oppo R9s is 6.5mm thick and still has a headphone jack.
In short, the industry seems to be signalling to Apple "No, you're no longer the pioneer. We're no longer copying you".
However, the influence of the Apple company on the entire industry is visibly diminishing.
Journalist. Author. Hacker. A storyteller searching for boundaries, secrets and taboos – putting the world to paper. Not because I can but because I can’t not.
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