Supersize phones with 5in screens, “life-proof” handsets which can be submerged in water and the battle for processing power are the biggest trends at the show, as rivals seek to seize ground from Apple and continue the rapid spread of Google’s Android operating system.
The pace of technological advances over the past 12 months has led many to call this new generation “superphones” rather than “smartphones” and it’s not hard to see why. Quad-core processors more powerful than your PC, 41 Megapixel cameras and movie projector handsets will all be within your reach this year.
The supersize market was kickstarted by Samsung last year after they launched the Galaxy Note, which blurred the lines between phones and tablets. The giant phone or “fablet” market is one to watch, with LG and Panasonic producing high spec competitors.
With a 5in screen and a body so large you need both hands to type on it, the LG Optimus Vu is designed for work and play, with a stylus and HD IPS display.
The Panasonic Eluga Power is similar but adds waterproof tech to its USP’s. Water damage being the No. 1 cause of phone deaths in the UK.
Budget phone makers Huawei launched a flagship quad-core Android handset called the Ascend D Quad.
Doro, which makes handsets for older users announced the PhoneEasy 740 which aims to introduce silver surfers to mobile social networking through its own easy to use apps.
Nokia revealed the 41 Megapixel, 808 Pure View.
As Android continues to be the dominant operating system driving the “superphones”, Google chairman Eric Schmidt says he believes smartphones will be as cheap as ordinary phones by 2013.
credit: Metro – Tuesday 6th March 2012