The Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, renowned as the world’s largest mobile phone fair, is scheduled to open its doors on February 26th.The mobile industry is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to address declining sales. Over the four-day event, phone makers and telecom operators are expected to showcase the unique AI-powered features of their latest handsets and explore how AI can enhance various aspects of their operations.
As global smartphone shipments experienced a 3.2% decline to 1.17 billion units in 2023, the industry seeks innovation and recovery through AI integration. The IDC consultancy notes that while it was the second consecutive yearly decline, shipments rose by 8.5% in the fourth quarter to 326.1 million units, indicating momentum towards recovery.
Major players like Google and Samsung are anticipated to highlight advanced AI tools, including enhanced photo editing and streamlined online search, in their new flagship handsets. Additionally, smaller handset makers such as China’s Honor are set to unveil devices with innovative features like AI motion-sensing capabilities in cameras.
The Mobile World Congress, with 95,000 attendees and 2,400 exhibitors from around the world, will serve as a platform for the industry to showcase the transformative potential of AI in reviving innovation and driving consumer interest.
