Feb 8, 2008

Mobile World Congress

The guys at Nseries WOMWorld were nice enough to invite me to Barcelona for the Mobile World Congress, one of the biggest mobile-related shows, previously known as 3GSM. While attending MWC has been my year-long wish, I had to pass the invitation because of exams (that's why I have been away this week) and an unstable Lebanese situation.

But a couple of days ago, I learned that I was invited to the Virtual Launch event, a nice way by Nokia and Nseries to make sure bloggers who aren't there can catch the launch and participate in a Q&A session with Nokia execs. It goes without saying: hats off, Nseries!

I'll try to report the announcement asap here and also tell you guys what happens in the virtual event. Expect things to get started on Monday February the 11th, around 11am here (9am GMT) so stay tuned!

Now off to the juicy part. What do I think will be unveiled in MWC?

Knowing Nokia's past at 3GSM we can cross fingers for some Nseries, Eseries and other new devices. The best bets so far would be the E71 and E66. As far as Nseries go, rumors have been circulating around the N78 and the N96. Both are supposed to have S60 3rd Edition FP2, and this isn't expected until the second-half of the year so I am skeptic as to whether we will get them now. It goes without saying that it would make much sense to release the FP2 now and not in Q3 because S60 Touch should be around in Q4 and Nokia would want to keep various UIs well spaced and differentiated. Personal opinion. Talking about Touch UI, S60 should do some demonstrations and I hope they give us something to chew on for a while.

When it comes to services, I believe :
- Nokia will shed some more lights on Ovi (ready availability? don't think so).
- There may be newer regional Music Stores but don't take it from me.
- We might also get that Nokia music player for the desktop that some bloggers have been raving about.
- Comes With Music might go all forgotten.
- N-gage should be left to the Game Developers Conference Mobile on February 18 and 19.
- We should also get all that internet services and connecting people talk, that is always there. Gotta admit it though, Nokia devices are the ones that offer the most versatility in was you can connect and interact with the world.

What do you think will be brought in front of the curtains by the Finnish giant? Agree or disagree with me?

I have to admit that I'm really annoyed that I'm not there, having a blast in an environment where I feel comfy. Put me with a couple of mobiles around me, and you'll always see me laugh. I guess there's always a next time.

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