Tag: MWC

#MWC18 – Well, that was a busy one

Each February, the mobile community comes together in Barcelona to show off their latest creations. From across the globe they come, to do deals, trade business cards and launch new smartphones, new accessories, new ideas. Covering it all is no easy task, and I want to personally thank …

#MWC18 – Hands-on with the Hisense Infinity H11 Pro

Last year here at Mobile World Congress we saw the Hisense Rock and the Hisense A2 with its dual-screen arrangement. The latter was pretty interesting because the eInk rear panel meant that you could read books or place an image on the rear side without it nailing your …

#MWC18 – The Coolsmartphone Mobile World Congress HQ

The story so far then, and I’ll try to keep this brief. Coolsmartphone has been hanging around these internetz for over 15 years now and, for the last 8 years, we’ve been lucky enough be on site to cover the Mobile World Congress here in Barcelona. As an …

#MWC18 – Hands-on with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro

This is another very impressive handset from Xiaomi. The Redmi Note 5 Pro is very new, appearing only this month, so a lot of visitors were trying to get hold of the phones which were being displayed here in Barcelona. The Note 5 Pro has a 5.99″ 1020 …

#MWC18 – Energous. Wireless charging from a distance

Wireless charging is great and, although it has been a staple of many Android phones for a few years now, it is very much a new thing for iPhone users. As a side affect from this, a lot more companies are showing interest in the tech now. As …

#MWC18 – A look at that NOA N10 iPhone X lookalike

No prizes for guessing what this handset reminds you of design-wise. It is, to be honest, the second handset with a “notch” that I saw in the very same hall, and some manufacturers aren’t afraid if taking “design ideas” from Apple. On the NOA stand it was the …

#MWC18 – Come on PanzerGlass, give it a PROPER whack!

On Monday we saw the guys from PanzerGlass hammering their own screen protectors to prove how well they protect your phone. Now, truth is that they do break sometimes, and they’re designed to do that if there’s a really, really hard impact. After all, it’s better to have …

#MWC18 – Something totally different. Hanmac hand-crafted phones.

The lengthy walk around the the halls started to make me a bit snow-blind this afternoon. In Hall 6 there was the usual mass of Chinese OEM’s offering their endless handsets. It was a positive sea of slabs, and it’s simply impossible to catalogue the entire lot. It …

#MWC18 – The key Samsung Galaxy S9 features

When this handset arrives in store and sits next to the existing Galaxy S8, if we’re honest, you won’t be able to see a huge amount of difference. In all honesty, like when the iPhone 8 replaced the iPhone 7, that’s no bad thing. The design is proven, …

#MWC18 – MyScreen Protector, a phone, a drill. What could go wrong?

See? I’m becoming a master at this click-bait headline writing! So, just around the corner from PanzerGlass is a company called MyScreen Protector. They have a protector that you can fit yourself (the PanzerGlass ones are perhaps best fitted professionally) and it’s got a special film which is …

#MWC18 – PanzerGlass, a phone, a hammer. What could go wrong?

Misleading headline that because, in reality, nothing went wrong. I am, though, learning the art of click-bait 😉 Yes, we’re back again in Barcelona and we’re back to see those crazy guys at PanzerGlass as they show just how good their screen protectors actually are. They’ve roped in …

#MWC18 – Want a tiny phone that you can stick in your ear?

I’m always interested in the smaller stands here at Mobile World Congress. The big names have equally big stands, but down in Congress Square you’ll find some new ideas and companies that want to get noticed. As we strolled through we spotted a company called L8Star who had …

#MWC18 – The Sony XZ2 – Confirmed on #EE

It’s early days yet. The handset only got announced a few seconds ago, but already EE have confirmed that they will offer the Xperia XZ2 when it launches on April 6th. If you pre-register your interest with EE between tomorrow and March 21st, you’ll be entered for a …

#MWC18 – Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ go official

Yes, there’s two phones. Yes, most of this leaked out, but here’s the short version. Both are powered by Android 8 and the CPU is a 64-bit octa-core CPU – a 2.7 GHz quad  and a 1.7 GHz quad or a 2.8 GHz quad and 1.7 GHz quad depending …

#MWC18 – Is it the LG G7? No, but we do get an LG V30S

One thing we won’t be seeing here in Barcelona (and yes, I’ve made it!) is the all-new LG G7. I’ve owned quite a few LG handsets – the G6 is a big favourite of mine and I held onto the LG G4 for absolutely ages. Loved that. The …

#MWC18 – The S9 and S9+. Squeezing even more leaks from Samsung

The Samsung Galaxy S9 and the Samsung Galaxy S9+. Ok, come on. Is there anything that we don’t know about these phones ? Well, if there is, there’ll be lots more unknowns filled in with the video below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQBpW-zWMXY This was quickly grabbed and re-uploaded by SlashLeaks after …

#MWC18 – Alcatel 1x, 3, and 3x revealed

Hello! Today, here in Barcelona (yes, we made it), Alcatel will be launching their new handsets. It’s Mobile World Congress, so it’s the start of the mobile madness! You can whack your refresh button right here on the site to get the latest information. That or Twitter, whatever …

#MWC18 – Sony Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact leakage

On Monday at Mobile World Congress we’ll have another big launch from Sony. This time, according to serial leaker Evan Blass, it’ll include a couple of full-screen smartphones. First, there’s this, the Xperia XZ2. The XZ2 will have a 5.7″ screen, but there’ll be another handset announced too …

#MWC18 – LG refresh the K10 and K8

Well, this is a bit weird. We’re getting told what’ll get launched before they’re actually… launched. Either way, LG have emailed in to tell us about a couple of lower-end phones which will be making an appearance at Mobile World Congress. They say that these have some “premium …

#MWC18 – Meet the Land Rover Explore

Sadly no, we’re not getting to test-drive a new Land Rover. However, Land Rover have started making phones. This is their first, and it comes via Bullitt Group, the same people who came up with the CAT phones. It’s another rugged handset for rugged lives. It’ll be on …

#MWC18 – The CAT S61. A phone that can smell.

Back in 2015 I managed to get a look at some cool new tech that could give your smartphone a sense of smell. Now, it’s here, inside the all-new CAT S61. This is a smartphone that can check the air quality around you. It’ll measure temperature, humidity and …

Windows Phone – Now even deader than it already was

Each year at Mobile World Congress I tend to remember the big Windows Phone 7 launch. It was held in 2010 at the Catalonia Barcelona Plaza Hotel and they placed a large placard above the entrance with big sticker over the name “7 Series”. Yes, back in 2010 …

Mobile World Congress – Unrivalled coverage. Join us for #MWC18

Do you want a quick trip down memory lane? Well, I’ve taken a look at our first ever trip to Barcelona for Mobile World Congress. The year was 2010, before a Microsoft Operating system called “Windows Phone” even existed. Android was at Version 2 and was called “Eclair” …

Samsung Galaxy S9 – The leaks continue!

Remember how the esteemed leaker, Evan Blass, told everyone that he was going to retire? Yeah, well… that didn’t happen, and his leaks continue to be rock solid, year after year. We’ve already had lots of specs being leaked, but now there’s clearer shots of both the Galaxy …

MWC – Get ready for Samsung Unpacked

Every year we pack up the Coolsmartphone office, grab a flight to Barcelona, and cover the utter insanity that is Mobile World Congress. To many it might sound like some sort of business conference, but it’s the place where the latest mobile phones, services and apps all get …

More Galaxy S9 and S9+ details

Samsung is now gearing up to launch the 2018 versions of its flagship Galaxy series, the S9 and the S9+. They have an unpacked event scheduled for the 25th February, which is just prior to this years Mobile World Congress, in Barcelona. Both handsets will be powered by …

Mobile World Congress. If you can help us, we’d be so grateful.

Hello again. Just last week we sent emails out and even posted this request for assistance in getting us to Mobile World Congress. Prices for accommodation are getting higher each year, but after all the free publicity and work we’ve done for networks, mobile manufacturers and accessory retailers …

Whatever happened to KAZAM?

Last night I was chatting to someone about Gionee. We saw them at Mobile World Congress a few years back. They do some very nice phones, but you won’t often see them on the streets of the UK. They have a decent presence in places like India, Thailand, …

VR – Still a big plaything

You’ve seen it on your high street, right? Charity shops and bookies. They’re seemingly everywhere. Now it’s happening on your mobile too. Juniper Research has predicted that by 2021 nearly $1 trillion will be bet via the internet, with mobile representing the “majority of net growth.” In fact, …

Coolsmartphone Podcast 199. An in-car special. Remember these?

After the insanity of the Mobile World Congress, a lot of my colleagues have collapsed with exhaustion. So, with time at a premium and a distinct lack of coffee or holiday time, I’ve decided to record a special edition of the Coolsmartphone Podcast. Long-time listeners may remember how …

EE offering pre-orders on the Huawei P10 lite and P10

As we mentioned during the launch, EE are to carry the new Huawei P10 and the P10 lite. If you’ve drooled over the photos and you’re itching to get yourself one, EE now have a pre-order page available on ee.co.uk/p10. WiFi Calling and 4G Calling will be offered …

MWC – A chat with Marc Allera as EE increase coverage.

My first ever mobile phone was connected to Orange. I stayed as a customer all through the transitional phase as T-Mobile and Orange joined forces to eventually become EE. The new brand seems to have woven its way into our subconsciousness rather quickly, and they have pushed hard …

MWC – Wiko Mobile and the WIM

Direct from Marseille, meet Wiko! They tell me that they’re targeting, “The Wiko Generation”. Smart people who are “not fooled” and appreciated value for money smartphones which are suitable to them. They’re the “Power Generation” who “choose their path freely”. They have, let me tell you, a lot …

MWC – The Sony Xperia XA1 and XA1 Ultra. Up close.

You may have missed it, but the Xperia XZ Premium wasn’t the only Sony phone to be announced in Barcelona this year. The Xperia XA1 and XA1 Ultra are for selfie lovers and a “super mid-range” phones. The XA1 has a 5″ screen (720 x 1280 pixel) and …

MWC – We finally got a look at the Kodak Ektra

We’ve given the press people at Kodak quite a few emails now. We’ve still not been able to borrow one, so during our trip around the Mobile World Congress we finally got a few minutes to have a look at the Ektra in the flesh. It sells for …