Welcome to the Fira
The main expanse of the Fira Barcelona, the site of Mobile World Congress (MWC), stretches from the Placa d'Espanya to the domed Palau Nacional, which is home to the National Museum of Catalan Art. Lining the avenue are exhibitor pavilions and hospitality suites.
No small patatas
The Fira is a huge place with nine buildings and several outdoor exhibition areas.
Where the action is
Hall 8 houses most of the major manufacturer stands at MWC, including Samsung, ZTE, Huawei, Sony Ericsson, and Motorola. It's where we spent most of our time.
Sammy's stand
Samsung heavily promoted its new Bada-equipped Wave smartphone in its bright and colorful stand (they don't use the word "booth" at MWC).
Hello, Moto
Likewise, Motorola's stand was all about its new Quench/Cliq XT Android phone.
It's not 'Avatar'
Visitors to the Moto stand also could enjoy some 3G technology.
Out for attention
Way at the other end of Hall 8 was RIM's largest stand ever at MWC. Though the company didn't have a lot of news at the show, it wasn't shy about promoting itself.
We like light
Unlike many a convention center, the Fira's buildings have natural light. Though the weather in Barcelona wasn't great, we welcomed a view outside.
Up in the air
They were climbing the walls at Comverse's booth. The California-based company makes computer and telecommunications systems and software.
Just teasing
ZTE showed its current phones, most of which will never make it to the United States.
A world of apps
As its name implies, the App Planet hall was all about mobile apps.
Before...
In the days before MWC began, Samsung draped a huge banner on a former bull ring across from the Fira with a promise to "unpack" something.
And after
And on the day the show began, we saw what we were getting.
Wait, where am I?
From SK Telecom's pavilion, you might think that you're at a car show.
Happy Chinese New Year!
MWC didn't stop some attendees from celebrating The Year of the Tiger.
Water everywhere
The Font Magaica, a huge and amazing fountain, sits on the Fira grounds at the foot of Montjuic Hill. At night it lights up with rotating colors. Angry skies delivered regular rain showers.
More magic
The Font Magica extends down the full length of the Fira.
Anyone hungry?
You can eat well at the Fira with full service restaurants and a bar.
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