Future of Smartphones – LG Sheds Light Industry Trends from MWC

Mobile World Congress – a platform to showcase progressive technology

 The overall theme of MWC 2016 will be ‘Mobile Is Everything’ and will centre on how the mobile communications revolution is driving the world’s major technology breakthroughs. Nearly every industry from automotive to healthcare to media to retail to financial services is being reshaped and MWC is truly a global stage to highlight how mobility is driving that change with forward thinking to leap forward.

For almost a decade, the smartphone has been the most widespread platform for smart technology. However, a growing number of industry insiders and analysts are looking beyond the smartphone to see what the future of smart technology might look like.

“When smartphones first debuted, few could have predicted the transformation they would cause. Today, smartphones are more ubiquitous than any other form of personal technology.  They have become necessary tools for nearly every aspect of modern society. Modern life is centered on the smartphone, and the increasing presence of IoT-capable devices is set to make new forms of smart technology even more important,” said Mr. Yong Geun Choi, President of LG Electronics Gulf FZE.

“LG’s smart tech leadership is perfect for providing convenience-enhancing innovation in the mobile era. As a brand, LG has always sought to improve its products in order to make each edition more capable than its predecessor. This has led to radical redesigns of traditional products such as the dual screens and front-facing cameras of the V10. LG has always believed that innovation improves the users’ quality of life, and the company’s record shows that it is unafraid to push boundaries in its quest to create the best possible products for consumers. We are excited to showcase our next chapter at Mobile World Congress,” added Choi.

Based on various inputs from several industry analysts, below are some industry trends on what to watch out for at MWC.

Smartphone Launches

Analysts expect software to deliver some potentially interesting capabilities, especially as mobile extends to adjacent markets including payments, artificial intelligence and personalized agents. Smartphone saturation is very real in developed markets, but there is room for growth in emerging markets.

Virtual & Augmented Realities: Physical Meets the Digital

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are both often hyped technologies and will be widely present on the show floor at MWC. Although still relatively nascent technologies, vendors are expected to unveil some interesting AR and VR technologies, including heightened integration with Internet of Things solutions and marketing tools.

Wearables: Consumer- and Increasingly Enterprise-Focused

The wearable market continues to mature with emerging use cases and form factors. Devices are reaching their second and third generation of development, specifically watches and fitness bands. On the consumer side, greater emphasis will be placed on cosmetic global appeal and integration with services and software.

The Internet of Things Era Has Arrived

The Internet of Things has been widely hyped over the past few years at MWC, but the promise of the technology is becoming a reality. While most attention has been focused on consumer devices like fitness trackers, smart homes, and connected cars, IoT has the potential to be even more disruptive in the B2B space. Mobility is at the center of IoT and MWC will be an important stage to demonstrate the progress that has been made.

Emerging Markets Innovation

MWC is a truly global event and mobile operators, regulators and policy-makers from emerging regions will be in attendance. Mobile traffic has surpassed PC traffic and consumers are embracing messaging platforms like WeChat and WhatsApp. New, exciting service offerings are being developed, with progress being made in healthcare, financial services and education.

From an LG perspective, below are some as insights on what to watch out from LG at MWC.

Next Flagship

LG will host the ‘LG G5 Day’ and consumers can expect new friends on the LG playground at MWC.

Smartphone Accessories

LG Electronics (LG) took the wraps off a new version of its Quick Cover case, designed specifically for LG’s next generation flagship smartphone, LG G5, which does not yet exist. Known as a company ahead of the times, LG took this characterization to heart by revealing the existence of the accessory before the actual product. The latest LG Quick Cover offers the touch function. It enables users to take calls and control alarm settings without opening the case for the ultimate convenience.

“At MWC 2016, brands have an opportunity to demonstrate new and innovative business models driven by software and services. Several analysts expect to see the type of innovation from emerging markets that will be able to leapfrog legacy systems. MWC will provide a preview into how mobility will reshape an increasing number of adjacent (and not-so-adjacent) industries than ever before,” concluded Choi.

# # #

About LG Electronics, Inc.

LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing 83,000 people working in 119 locations around the world. With 2014 global sales of USD 55.91 billion (KRW 59.04 trillion), LG comprises four business units ― Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance & Air Solution, and Vehicle Components ― and is one of the world’s leading producers of flat panel TVs, mobile devices, air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators. LG Electronics is a 2014 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year. For more news and information on LG Electronics, please visit www.LGnewsroom.com.