The 2023 edition of the Mobile World Congress (MWC 2023) is set to kick off in Barcelona where visitors can get first-hand experience on a variety of cutting-edge technologies, such as folding-screen smartphones, immersive metaverse experiences, AI-powered chatbot avatars, and more.
As the world’s biggest and most influential gathering for the mobile tech industry, the four-day event has transformed from a mobile phone standards forum into a platform to exhibit new wireless tech.
With as many as 80,000 attendees from around 200 countries and territories expected to attend, MWC 2023 is set to resume at full strength after several years of pandemic disruptions.
Here are some of the key aspects to expect at MWC 2023:
5G progress and a look into 6G
One of the primary focal points of the conference will be 5G, the fifth generation of mobile network that is already delivering more data at a faster rate to millions of devices.
This technology has already facilitated advancements in virtual reality and the metaverse, and its expanded bandwidth has proven crucial in a wide range of industries from technology to healthcare.
While 5G is still evolving and new technologies are being developed on top of it, attention will also be turned towards its successor at MWC.
Although it will take several years to complete, the sixth generation mobile network (6G) will be essential in our increasingly interconnected world, with potential applications including self-driving or flying autonomous vehicles, smart cities, virtual and augmented reality, and space exploration.
AI
Over the last few months, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have received a lot of attention.
Innovations such as ChatGPT, an AI-powered platform that has the ability to hold conversations and generate legible text, have captured the attention of the tech industry.
At the MWC 2023, companies can be expected to tout their use of AI to increase the energy efficiency of home Wi-Fi networks or detect counterfeit products.
Microsoft’s representatives have teased a potential ChatGPT demonstration, but no specifics have been shared.
Next-generation of smartphones
Smartphones have always dominated MWC. During the previous decade, MWC gained momentum as the smartphone era flourished, with device manufacturers vying for attention through flashy product launches.
At present, the focus at the event is centered around potential applications for 5G and its potential to unlock a wave of innovation beyond just smartphones. These applications include automated factories, driverless cars, and smart cities.
Major mobile players leaders such as Apple and Samsung will face competition from a range of lesser-known Chinese brands, including OnePlus, Xiaomi, ZTE, and Honor, who will dominate the device launches and aim to gain a larger share of the market.
Metaverse
During the event, companies will present their initial forays into the metaverse, which are gradually altering the ways in which we live, work, and entertain ourselves.
MWC will explore and exhibit various topics related to the metaverse, including its potential to revolutionise education, immersive technologies, and whether it is the future, a passing trend, or a deception.
Amdocs, a software company, plans to offer users a “metatour” of Dubai using virtual and augmented reality. Other tech and telecom companies have promised to showcase metaverse demonstrations, including those related to physical rehabilitation, virtual clothing try-ons, and aircraft landing gear maintenance tutorials.
