Tech companies such as Samsung, HTC, LG and Huawei set the ball rolling with some major announcements on the eve of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2015 holding in Barcelona. The first two days of the main event have witnessed more announcements. Here is a roundup of some key ones.
Microsoft introduces two new Lumia devices
Very early on Monday, Microsoft Corp. was in action unveiling two new Lumia devices – the Lumia 640 and Lumia 640 XL. The latest devices target the budget segment of the market and pack in some good features.
The Lumia 640 comes with a 5-inch display of 720p resolution and 294 pixels per density. As may be deduced from its name, the Lumia 640 XL has a bigger screen (5.7-inch) with 720p resolution and 259 pixels per density. Both of these devices use Windows Phone 8.1 OS.
Lenovo brings them out in number
Lenovo Group is really busy at the MWC 2015 this time. The company has unveiled six devices, comprising two phones, three tablets and a projector, within a space of about 12 hours. Three tablets were first unveiled by the Chinese manufacturer, namely: the Lenovo Tab 2 A10, Lenovo Tab 2 A8 and MIXX 300.
The first two tablets run on Android operating system, while the third uses Windows 8.1 software. Lenovo followed the tablets with an ultra-slim and camera-centric Lenovo Vibe Shot phone; Lenovo A7000, the world’s first Dolby Atmos-enabled smartphone, and the miniature Lenovo Pocket Projector.
Sony debuts a tablet and smartphone
The latest Xperia Z4 Tablet and M4 Aqua smartphone were also announced at the MWC 2015 by Sony Corp. The Xperia Z4 Tablet comes in thinner and less-weighty than its predecessor and is powered by an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor.
The mid-range M4 Aqua smartphone comes with waterproof protection, just like the tablet. The phone, which is expected to retail for about $336, packs a 13MP rear camera and 5MP camera.
BlackBerry returns with a Leap
If you thought BlackBerry was done with pushing out phones, think again. The company has taken the wrap off a new full touchscreen device called the BlackBerry Leap. The smartphone is fitted with a 5-inch HD touch display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels.
It features an 8 megapixels camera with 1080p HD video recording. BlackBerry devices executive Ron Louks also teased attendants with an unnamed device fitted with a slide-out keyboard and a curved display similar to that on the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge. The company also disclosed that another keyboard phone and second-edition BlackBerry Porsche would soon be released.
Xiaomi unveils another budget smartphone
Xiaomi is not ready to slacken just yet as it popularity continues to rise. The Chinese phone maker apparently wants to cement its position with the introduction of the Redmi 2, an improved version of the popular Redmi 1S.
The new device had already been launched in China and its territories, but not seen anywhere else yet. The Redmi 2 comes with an enhanced 64-bit Qualcomm processor, bigger 2200mAh and 4G support.
Blackphone 2 Announced
Silent Circle, the company responsible for the security-centric Blackphone, has unveiled a successor to the device. Blackphone 2 features a 5.5-inch display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels.
It is powered by a 64-bit, octa-core processor, backed by 3GB memory and an impressive 3060mAh battery. The device is designed to keep hackers and other dubious characters at bay.
Google+ to split services
Search giant Google also announced at the MWC 2015 that it would split the social and photography aspects of its social network, Google+, into two. The two new products to emerge would be known as Photos and Streams.
