Technologies for the fifth-generation telecom networks from Chinese technology giants are getting the attention of consumers at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo : REUTERS)
China’s top technology giants are again getting big attention at the Mobile World Congress, the world's biggest exhibition for the mobile industry, being held in Barcelona this week, a month after they grabbed the limelight at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
China Daily reported that the biggest attractions in the event are the technologies for the fifth-generation telecom networks.
The event, which will run from Monday, Feb. 22, to Thursday, Feb. 25, showcases the products of Chinese companies alongside global giants like Samsung Electronics Co. and Nokia Corp.
A demonstration of ZTE Corp.'s high-frequency prototype and other key 5G technologies will be featured in the event, the report said.
According to industry observers, the move is part of ZTE's efforts to take the lead in technology development, hoping to gain the edge when 5G starts commercial use five years from now.
The report said that aside from ZTE, China Mobile Communications Co., the country's largest carrier by subscriber, is also aiming at the 5G market, although it had kicked off its 4G services only more than two years ago.
The company has reportedly partnered with Nokia to show how the next-generation of communications technology can allow a computer to remotely control a robot that balances a ball on a moving board.
According to Huang Yuhong, vice president of China Mobile's research institute, 5G technology's ultra-high capacity and ultra-low latency enable it to perform tasks that were impossible using 4G or earlier technologies.
"Autonomous manufacturing with massive use of robots is one use. 5G technology will provide the network infrastructure to support China's manufacturing upgrading initiative," Huang said.
Other Chinese companies are also bringing their flagship devices and new services to the exhibition.
Lenovo Group Ltd., the world's biggest personal computer maker, is introducing a global wireless roaming service called Lenovo Connect which allows users to use the Internet in more than 110 countries, without having to buy a locally issued SIM card.
Wang Shuai, Lenovo's vice president, said, "The telecom market is expected to grow exponentially with 5G and other machine-to-machine communications technologies around the corner."
Xiaomi Corp. is also planning to announce a new brand at the MWC as the company will release its 2016 flagship Mi5 device on Wednesday, Feb. 24, which it claims is its fastest device, and will be used for its overseas expansion.
The report said that a growing number of Chinese companies are increasingly becoming more visible at international tech events, showing their latest products such as drones, wearables, smartphones, and smart home applications.
