mwc2017
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ZTE's low-cost Blade V8 Mini comes with dual cameras
In addition to unveiling its Gigabit phone here at MWC, ZTE is adding two new phones to its Blade V8 line of affordable handsets. The Blade V8 Mini and Lite will be available in Asia and Europe in March, and although we don't know what they'll officially cost yet, it's safe to say they'll be cheaper than the $229 Blade V8 Pro that we saw at CES.
The Xperia XZ Premium may be the 4K flagship we've been waiting for
After a mostly disappointing year of Sony smartphones (ahem, Xperia X and X Performance), the company might have just built its finest yet. Say hello to the Xperia XZ Premium, a high-performance sequel to last year's XZ that ticks just about every box on our list when it comes to flagship devices. The few things the XZ didn't exceed out early expectations on might be the device's undoing, but for now, Sony seems to have gotten enough right that we're willing to see where the XZ Premium takes us.
Sony's Xperia projector finally gets a name and release date
When we first caught a glimpse of Sony's Xperia-branded projector concept at last year's Mobile World Congress, the company didn't have many details to share. A whole year later, Sony finally has an actual name and launch date for its Frankenjector (no, that's not its name, although I wish it were). It's called the Xperia Touch, and it's part smart speaker, part projector and part virtual Android tablet. After a brief encounter with the Touch, I'm mostly appalled by how expensive it is for what it offers. To be fair, though, pricing for the US hasn't been announced yet, but the lucky folks in Europe will get to buy it for €1,499 starting in Spring.
Lenovo's latest Yoga 2-in-1 packs uncommonly fast graphics
With most 2-in-1 laptops, you're giving up any hope of running games or other graphics-intensive apps -- if there are dedicated graphics at all, they're usually too slow for more than the basics. Lenovo thinks it can do better. It's unveiling the Yoga 720, and its 15-inch variant is supposedly the most powerful convertible in its class. Max it out and you can get a 4K display, a 7th-generation Core i7 processor and (most importantly) GeForce GTX 1050 graphics. It's still not a powerhouse, but it's uncommonly gaming-friendly for a PC that can double as a tablet.
Alcatel made an affordable modular phone studded with LEDs
We learned at CES this year that it simply isn't enough for affordable phones to just offer low prices anymore. And Alcatel, which is perhaps one of the most well-known budget phone makers, has chosen a compelling means to differentiate itself in this space. The new Alcatel A5 is a sub-$300 Android device that has modular components in a style that's similar to Moto's Mods. Although we don't know the official price and availability of the A5 yet, Alcatel did say the new handset falls into its pre-existing midrange Pop family of devices, which typically cost between $150 and $200.
Lenovo's new Android tablets are ready for kids and workers
If it wasn't already clear that Lenovo is trying to cover every conceivable tablet niche, it is now. The tech giant has just introduced Tab 4 and Tab 4 Plus models that theoretically please everyone on a budget, ranging from parents to the productivity-minded. The 8- and 10-inch editions in each range can use an optional Kids Pack (a shock-resistant case, screen protectors and a blue light filter) to ready themselves for your little one's playtime. Suddenly, Amazon's Fire HD Kids tablets have fresh competition. And if you spring for one of the 10-inch tablets, there's a Productivity Pack whose Bluetooth keyboard and matching case automatically switch you to a work-oriented mode. No one will mistake the combo for a Surface, but it should be enough to get some quick office work done.
The Huawei Watch 2 is a strong showcase for Android Wear 2
Android Wear 2.0 recently made its debut on a pair of LG-made watches and, as expected, we're starting to see other companies show off devices of their own running the new operating system. At MWC this weekend, Huawei is unveiling its Watch 2, which combines the new Google OS with a sportier design. It will be available in the US in April, and in some European countries in March for €349 (about $350). After my brief time with the new timepiece, which is also available in a "Classic" design, I'm already impressed by how comfortably light and sturdy the two watches are.
GoPro's deal with Huawei gives it a foothold in smartphones
Don't look now, but GoPro just shifted a little toward becoming a mobile app company. The action camera maker has struck a deal with Huawei that will see its intelligent video editor, Quik, integrated with the photo gallery app in the P10, P10 Plus and other smartphones packing newer versions of Huawei's EMUI interface. The centerpiece is a Highlights feature that uses Quik to automatically whip up a video based on your photos and videos, complete with backing music. Think of it as a more video-focused spiritual successor to HTC's Zoe.
Staedtler and Samsung made an old-school pencil-like S Pen
Along with a pair of new tablets and some 5G equipment, Samsung unveiled a fresh new version of its S Pen stylus -- and it looks very familiar. The new stylus is just like German pencil maker Staedtler's Noris stylud, except it will most likely do everything Samsung's pen can. (We say "most likely" because Samsung didn't provide many details at its MWC news conference this weekend.) That featureset includes detecting up to 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, and working with the company's new tablets to write and store memos even when the screen is off, as well as outline screenshots or annotate PDF documents. Samsung didn't say anything about price or availability, but young hipsters looking to mask their digital nativeness might have reason to get excited. Click here to catch up on the latest news from MWC 2017.
The Galaxy S8 launches March 29th in New York
As expected, we didn't get a Galaxy S8 reveal. Samsung's MWC showcase centered around a whole lot of tablets and other devices. However, the company did confirm one thing: that March 29 launch rumor is true -- and it'll all go down in New York. Then, like clockwork, an invite to the event hit our inboxes.
Samsung's Gear VR returns with a motion controller
While there was no shortage of new Samsung hardware the company's MWC showcase, the event also included a new Gear VR headset on display, along with a new controller. Adding motion input (as well as a few more buttons) lets you navigate and interact with VR content without having to paw at the headset's buttons like with previous iterations. In addition to a clickable touchpad, there are trigger, home, back and volume keys. The controller also has an accelerometer, gyrometer and magnetic sensors built in. The new hardware will work with the Galaxy S7, S7 Edge, and Note 5, as well as the Galaxy S6 series.
The next wave of Moto Mods turn your phone into a gamepad
Motorola is teaming up with Amazon for an Alexa smartphone mod, but that's just one of a several new hardware add-ons set to become available for compatible Moto phones. The next wave includes a Moto-made battery extender (rather than the third-party options that are already on sale); a new charging adapter that connects to mods, allowing charge them separately from the phone; and a wireless charging back for even more juice options. Finally, there's a gamepad that packs in four speakers, lights and some preloaded games. Even more intriguing, however, were the concept accessories also on display at MWC this weekend.
Samsung's Galaxy Book crams desktop power in portable body
Samsung may not be ready to unveil the Galaxy S8 smartphone just yet, but it still has some shiny new hardware for us here at MWC. In addition to the Tab S3, the company is showing off two new hybrids, both called the Galaxy Book. They're 10- and 12-inch Windows 10 tablets that support new S Pen features and come with keyboards. They're well designed and offered brisk performance during a brief hands-on. And, apart from the S Pen support, there are a few other, more subtle features that differentiate the Galaxy Books from rival Windows 10 convertibles.
Samsung's Galaxy Tab S3 is basically another Note tablet
For the first time in what seems like ages, Samsung hasn't brought a flagship smartphone to Mobile World Congress. It seems like we'll have to wait until well after the show for our first look at the Galaxy S8, but at least we have a new Android tablet to fiddle with in the meantime. Surprising absolutely no one, it's called the Galaxy Tab S3, and, despite the name, it actually feels more like a plus-size Galaxy Note than a successor to the last-gen Tab S2.
We're live at Samsung's MWC 2017 press conference
We're here in Barcelona, fingers lightly resting against our keyboards in anticipation. We know we're not seeing a flagship phone, but what could that mean? Maybe new tablets, which has always been a strong suit for the company. But nothing's ever guaranteed. Fortunately we're just about to find out, so keep checking back here for our liveblog kickoff at 1pm ET.
Catch our Samsung MWC 2017 liveblog here
Mobile World Congress is where Samsung usually unveils the latest member of the Galaxy S series. Not this year, though. Delays mean that the company's flagship phone will have to make its debut somewhere else. We do know they will be revealing something, however, and as usual there's a glitzy event to go along with it. Catch our liveblog right here at 1pm ET to find out what.
Say hello (again) to the Nokia 3310
The rumors were true. The Nokia 3310 is back. Courtesy of new brand owner HMD, the phone is returning with a mixture of 3310 charm and some specification upgrades. The good news: It's cheap (around $50), it has Snake, along with those nostalgic ringtones of yesteryear, and it seems pretty darn indestructible. It's an iconic phone, but one that's over 15 years old. That's a long time in mobile. Still, a lot of people are going to want one. Do you?
Motorola and Amazon will bake Alexa into Moto Mods and phones
You just can't stop Alexa. According to Amazon and Motorola representatives here at Mobile World Congress, the two companies have teamed up to explore ways to bring Amazon's voice-controlled assistant onto Motorola hardware. Amazon's Jon Kirk took the stage at a press event to run through a very short concept video in which a Moto phone was connected to a Harman Kardon-made speaker Mod that doubled as an Amazon Echo.
The new Moto G5s trade fun colors for mature looks
When Lenovo/Motorola first revealed the 4th-generation Moto G and Moto G Plus last year, it did so at a surprisingly secretive launch event in India. That was probably just as well: They were perfectly decent mid-range phones that didn't excite the way earlier G's did. The swanky interior of the W Hotel in Barcelona seems to suit the new G5 and G5 Plus a little better. Lenovo still wanted to build a set of reasonably priced mid-range phones, but it's clear the company was angling to give the G series something of a premium makeover. This year is all about cleaner lines and metal bodies, but I wonder if the G5 and G5 Plus didn't lose a bit of character in the redesign.
Withings' wearables will adopt the Nokia name this summer
So long, Withings. The health and fitness brand will be retired this summer as the team adopts the name of its new owner: Nokia. The company's smart(ish) watches, scales and home security cameras will still be around -- they'll simply have Nokia, rather than Withings written on their exterior. The rebrand is unsurprising, given Nokia's ambitions to move into the health tracking and analytics game. Withings was a $191 million jump-start for its HealthKit-style "WellCare" strategy, which involves consumer-facing fitness tracking and high quality data for medical professionals.