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Mobile's GSMA showcase: Android and more

The Mobile World Congress in Barcelona spotlights mobile broadband gear, services, software, and strategies. Read CNET's full coverage. Photos: New phones at Mobile World Congress Google Android prototypes make debut

CNET News staff
8 min read

Mobile's GSMA showcase

The Mobile World Congress, under way this week in Barcelona, Spain, puts the spotlight on mobile broadband gear, services, software, and strategies. Read CNET's full coverage here.

Latest News

RIM: BlackBerry's future lies in social networking

Co-chief executive Jim Balsillie says an enterprise social-networking revolution is on the way.
February 14, 2008

Mapping medieval streets using GPS

News.com's Maggie Reardon meandered the cobblestone streets of Barcelona's Gothic quarter using Nokia's new Maps 2.0 service and the 6210 Navigator handset.
Photos: Touring Barcelona with help from Nokia
February 14, 2008

GSMA Day 3 wrap-up

AMD announced big plans for mobile phone processors, RIM's co-CEO downplays the BlackBerry outage, and the LiMo Foundation could give Google's Android a run for its money.
February 13, 2008

Limo Foundation shows first handsets

Though Google's Android platform is getting a lot of attention at the GSMA Mobile World Congress, the LiMo Foundation is making news of its own.
February 13, 2008

All is pretty quiet in Palm's house for GSMA

But there was a bit of news and a few rumors, CNET's Bonnie Cha reports.
February 13, 2008

Motorola hopes to revive cell phone biz

Don McLellan, senior vice president for corporate strategy, said the company still believes in its handset business and is looking for ways to revive it.
February 13, 2008

RIM's CEO downplays BlackBerry outage

CEO James Balsillie doesn't seem too worried about the possible long-term effects of the company's recent 3-hour outage.
February 13, 2008

ZTE says in talks with Sprint on WiMax handsets

Currently a small player in the U.S. market, Chinese phone maker aims to be one of the top five vendors in three years.
Chinese cell phones in Barcelona
February 13, 2008

Nokia unveils 'green' handset design

The world's No.1 cell phone maker is developing a handset made entirely of recycled and renewable materials.
February 13, 2008

GSMA Day 2 wrap-up

CNET's Nicole Lee writes about the highlights of the ongoing phone madness at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
February 12, 2008

In Europe, Yahoo tops Google in deal with T-Mobile

Deal demonstrates Yahoo's momentum in mobile services despite uncertainties raised by Microsoft's takeover bid.
February 12, 2008

Yahoo launches OneConnect

The new mobile Web service is meant to help cell phone users know when their friends are nearby and what they're up to.
February 12, 2008

Operators hit back at EU data-roaming threat

GSM Association says data-roaming price cuts are already falling and that Commission regulation would stifle innovation.
February 12, 2008

Vodafone CEO looks to mobile Web for future

Arun Sarin says that the Internet is the future for mobile, and he called on the industry to cooperate in selecting technology to further develop the market.
February 12, 2008

DotMobi launches database for mobile-Web developers

Registrar for .mobi domain says giving software developers cell phone specifications will help them design better mobile sites.
February 12, 2008

LG to roll out Android phone by early 2009

Electronics company joins the growing group of handset makers that say they'll support Google's operating system.
February 12, 2008

Nokia to add Google search on handsets

Though Google's Android is a rival to Nokia's S60 platform, Nokia intends to include it to help ensure customer satisfaction.
February 12, 2008

Samsung rules out Motorola mobile unit buy

Too much overlap and little to gain from acquiring Motorola cell phone division, says president of Samsung telecom unit.
February 12, 2008

Google Android prototypes debut at MWC

CNET News.com's Maggie Reardon reports on a private demonstration of the software development platform at the ARM booth in Barcelona.
February 11, 2008

GSMA Day 1 wrap-up

With product announcements, handset previews, and Google Android demos, Monday was exceptionally busy at the wireless-industry trade show in Barcelona.
February 11, 2008

Cisco defines 'mobility'

For Cisco Systems, mobility means connecting any device, on any network, anytime, anywhere.
February 11, 2008

TI's new OMAP chip not just for phones

The chipmaker isn't willing to give Intel any ground when it comes to portable handheld devices.
February 11, 2008

JumpTap scores 7-country search and ad deal

Still, JumpTap and other "white label" search and ad providers, such as Medio, are going head-to-head against Google.
February 11, 2008

Nvidia dialing into mobile phones

The company plans to launch its first major applications processor for smartphones this week at Mobile World Congress 2008.
February 11, 2008

Nokia launches Ovi digital media, folds in Twango

Media-sharing site Twango, which Nokia acquired six months ago, will become part of a larger brand of mobile Web services.
February 11, 2008

More heavyweights join mobile Linux group

Orange, Access join the LiMo Foundation to collaborate on its upcoming mobile Linux platform, which promises more applications for users.
February 11, 2008

Nokia upgrades navigation service

Version 2.0 of Nokia Maps, geared toward pedestrians, points users in the direction they're walking by means of an embedded compass.
February 11, 2008

Samsung hopes to have Google phone early 2009

In addition to phone using open-source Android platform, handset maker plans to have four or five WiMax phones out soon.
February 11, 2008

Cisco CEO says IT spending-crunch isn't that bad

Speaking at GSMA, Chambers says that even though spending has slowed, he doesn't think the downturn will last long or run deep.
February 11, 2008

EU pressures operators to reduce data-roaming rates

Commissioner Viviane Reding has set her sights on the prices for downloading and surfing the Web wirelessly when abroad.
February 11, 2008

Sony Ericsson to do first Windows phone

As part of an effort to boost its presence in North America, the handset maker is planning a family of Windows Mobile devices.
Sony Ericsson redefines the touchscreen with its new G-series
Sony Ericsson W980 Walkman phone
Take your best show with the new Sony Ericsson C702 and C902
Web in a clamshell: Sony Ericsson Z770 debuts
February 10, 2008

Tiny cell phone chip aims to improve sound quality

A start-up's first product, modeled on the human ear, curbs background noise.
The New York Times
February 10, 2008

The next big things in wireless

The Mobile World Congress show in Barcelona is the place to be to see what's coming soon to a cell phone near you.
February 9, 2008

Is mobile really a sure thing for Google?

Adapting Google's successful Web offerings for use on cell phones is an important work in progress--and unlikely to be easy.
February 8, 2008

ARM plans Android demonstration at MWC

The chip designer will use the GSMA showcase to present prototype mobile phones running Google's Android software, in a very public display of support for the project.
February 6, 2008

Barcelona or bust: High expectations for GSMA

With so many manufacturers now vying for attention in the wireless world, CNET Reviews' Bonnie Cha says the Mobile World Congress could be the industry's most impressive trade show yet.
February 4, 2008

Product previews

Chinese cell phones in Barcelona

CNET's Kent German tours the booth of manufacturer ZTE at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and finds some phones to like.
ZTE says in talks with Sprint on WiMax handsets
February 13, 2008

iRiver Europe breaking into the cell phone biz

Known in the U.S. for its MP3 players and PVPs, iRiver hoping to break into the European cell phone market as well. Bonnie Cha looks at its first GSM handset.
February 13, 2008

Hands-on with Modu

Israeli company's concept for modular cell phone that can be placed into stylized, function-changing "jackets" is intriguing if it evolves as Modu promises, says CNET's Kent German.
February 13, 2008

Taking a walk with a Google Android prototype

CNET Reviews Senior Editor Kent German examines a Google Android prototype at the GSMA Worold Congress. Our video lets you see it for yourself.
February 12, 2008

Samsung's new P960 and G10

Nokia or Sony Ericsson set the stakes high with their offerings, but Samsung certainly made a respectable showing with its new Soul and, previewed here, the G810 and the P960.
A smorgasbord of Samsung handsets February 12, 2008

Photos: Impressions of the Sony X1

Sony Ericsson was strict about limiting access to the Xperia X1 interface, but CNET got some up-close images of this Windows Mobile PDA phone.
February 12, 2008

Nokia Maps 2.0 anything but pedestrian

CNET's Bonnie Cha takes a walk with the newest version of Nokia's mapping software, now available in beta.
February 12, 2008

Moto's Z6w offers Wi-Fi

CNET Reviews' Kent German says that what (little) sets the Z6w apart is its integrated Wi-Fi, which outside of a few smartphones remains pretty elusive in the cell phone world.
Motorola gives us the W161 and W181, we yawn February 11, 2008

Hands-on with LG's Symbian sat-nav phone

CNET's Andrew Lim tries out this new candybar smartphone, which comes with GPS, a full Qwerty keypad, and a standard one to boot.
February 11, 2008

LG KS20: Windows Mobile without the bulk

CNET reviewer Nate Lanxon praises this phone for its big touch-sensitive screen, push e-mail support, gloriously fast HSDPA connectivity, and divine styling.
LG unveils touch screen phone model
LG KF510: LG's new glass-fronted hotness
February 11, 2008

Hands on with the Samsung Soul

Samsung's new Soul offers a unique navigation touchpad, a 5-megapixel camera, and a music player. CNET gives you a hands-on look from the GSMA World Congress in Barcelona.
Samsung introduces ARM-based smartphone chip
February 11, 2008

Take your best show with the new Sony Ericsson C702 and C902

At GSMA Sony Ericsson introduces two new Cyber-shot models with the C702 and C902. CNET's Kent German takes a look.
Sony Ericsson redefines the touchscreen with its new G-series
Sony Ericsson W980 Walkman phone
Web in a clamshell: Sony Ericsson Z770 debuts
February 10, 2008

Mobile's GSMA showcase

The Mobile World Congress, under way this week in Barcelona, Spain, puts the spotlight on mobile broadband gear, services, software, and strategies. Read CNET's full coverage here.

Latest News

RIM: BlackBerry's future lies in social networking

Co-chief executive Jim Balsillie says an enterprise social-networking revolution is on the way.
February 14, 2008

Mapping medieval streets using GPS

News.com's Maggie Reardon meandered the cobblestone streets of Barcelona's Gothic quarter using Nokia's new Maps 2.0 service and the 6210 Navigator handset.
Photos: Touring Barcelona with help from Nokia
February 14, 2008

GSMA Day 3 wrap-up

AMD announced big plans for mobile phone processors, RIM's co-CEO downplays the BlackBerry outage, and the LiMo Foundation could give Google's Android a run for its money.
February 13, 2008

Limo Foundation shows first handsets

Though Google's Android platform is getting a lot of attention at the GSMA Mobile World Congress, the LiMo Foundation is making news of its own.
February 13, 2008

All is pretty quiet in Palm's house for GSMA

But there was a bit of news and a few rumors, CNET's Bonnie Cha reports.
February 13, 2008

Motorola hopes to revive cell phone biz

Don McLellan, senior vice president for corporate strategy, said the company still believes in its handset business and is looking for ways to revive it.
February 13, 2008

RIM's CEO downplays BlackBerry outage

CEO James Balsillie doesn't seem too worried about the possible long-term effects of the company's recent 3-hour outage.
February 13, 2008

ZTE says in talks with Sprint on WiMax handsets

Currently a small player in the U.S. market, Chinese phone maker aims to be one of the top five vendors in three years.
Chinese cell phones in Barcelona
February 13, 2008

Nokia unveils 'green' handset design

The world's No.1 cell phone maker is developing a handset made entirely of recycled and renewable materials.
February 13, 2008

GSMA Day 2 wrap-up

CNET's Nicole Lee writes about the highlights of the ongoing phone madness at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.
February 12, 2008

In Europe, Yahoo tops Google in deal with T-Mobile

Deal demonstrates Yahoo's momentum in mobile services despite uncertainties raised by Microsoft's takeover bid.
February 12, 2008

Yahoo launches OneConnect

The new mobile Web service is meant to help cell phone users know when their friends are nearby and what they're up to.
February 12, 2008

Operators hit back at EU data-roaming threat

GSM Association says data-roaming price cuts are already falling and that Commission regulation would stifle innovation.
February 12, 2008

Vodafone CEO looks to mobile Web for future

Arun Sarin says that the Internet is the future for mobile, and he called on the industry to cooperate in selecting technology to further develop the market.
February 12, 2008

DotMobi launches database for mobile-Web developers

Registrar for .mobi domain says giving software developers cell phone specifications will help them design better mobile sites.
February 12, 2008

LG to roll out Android phone by early 2009

Electronics company joins the growing group of handset makers that say they'll support Google's operating system.
February 12, 2008

Nokia to add Google search on handsets

Though Google's Android is a rival to Nokia's S60 platform, Nokia intends to include it to help ensure customer satisfaction.
February 12, 2008

Samsung rules out Motorola mobile unit buy

Too much overlap and little to gain from acquiring Motorola cell phone division, says president of Samsung telecom unit.
February 12, 2008

Google Android prototypes debut at MWC

CNET News.com's Maggie Reardon reports on a private demonstration of the software development platform at the ARM booth in Barcelona.
February 11, 2008

GSMA Day 1 wrap-up

With product announcements, handset previews, and Google Android demos, Monday was exceptionally busy at the wireless-industry trade show in Barcelona.
February 11, 2008

Cisco defines 'mobility'

For Cisco Systems, mobility means connecting any device, on any network, anytime, anywhere.
February 11, 2008

TI's new OMAP chip not just for phones

The chipmaker isn't willing to give Intel any ground when it comes to portable handheld devices.
February 11, 2008

JumpTap scores 7-country search and ad deal

Still, JumpTap and other "white label" search and ad providers, such as Medio, are going head-to-head against Google.
February 11, 2008

Nvidia dialing into mobile phones

The company plans to launch its first major applications processor for smartphones this week at Mobile World Congress 2008.
February 11, 2008

Nokia launches Ovi digital media, folds in Twango

Media-sharing site Twango, which Nokia acquired six months ago, will become part of a larger brand of mobile Web services.
February 11, 2008

More heavyweights join mobile Linux group

Orange, Access join the LiMo Foundation to collaborate on its upcoming mobile Linux platform, which promises more applications for users.
February 11, 2008

Nokia upgrades navigation service

Version 2.0 of Nokia Maps, geared toward pedestrians, points users in the direction they're walking by means of an embedded compass.
February 11, 2008

Samsung hopes to have Google phone early 2009

In addition to phone using open-source Android platform, handset maker plans to have four or five WiMax phones out soon.
February 11, 2008

Cisco CEO says IT spending-crunch isn't that bad

Speaking at GSMA, Chambers says that even though spending has slowed, he doesn't think the downturn will last long or run deep.
February 11, 2008

EU pressures operators to reduce data-roaming rates

Commissioner Viviane Reding has set her sights on the prices for downloading and surfing the Web wirelessly when abroad.
February 11, 2008

Sony Ericsson to do first Windows phone

As part of an effort to boost its presence in North America, the handset maker is planning a family of Windows Mobile devices.
Sony Ericsson redefines the touchscreen with its new G-series
Sony Ericsson W980 Walkman phone
Take your best show with the new Sony Ericsson C702 and C902
Web in a clamshell: Sony Ericsson Z770 debuts
February 10, 2008

Tiny cell phone chip aims to improve sound quality

A start-up's first product, modeled on the human ear, curbs background noise.
The New York Times
February 10, 2008

The next big things in wireless

The Mobile World Congress show in Barcelona is the place to be to see what's coming soon to a cell phone near you.
February 9, 2008

Is mobile really a sure thing for Google?

Adapting Google's successful Web offerings for use on cell phones is an important work in progress--and unlikely to be easy.
February 8, 2008

ARM plans Android demonstration at MWC

The chip designer will use the GSMA showcase to present prototype mobile phones running Google's Android software, in a very public display of support for the project.
February 6, 2008

Barcelona or bust: High expectations for GSMA

With so many manufacturers now vying for attention in the wireless world, CNET Reviews' Bonnie Cha says the Mobile World Congress could be the industry's most impressive trade show yet.
February 4, 2008

Product previews

Chinese cell phones in Barcelona

CNET's Kent German tours the booth of manufacturer ZTE at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and finds some phones to like.
ZTE says in talks with Sprint on WiMax handsets
February 13, 2008

iRiver Europe breaking into the cell phone biz

Known in the U.S. for its MP3 players and PVPs, iRiver hoping to break into the European cell phone market as well. Bonnie Cha looks at its first GSM handset.
February 13, 2008

Hands-on with Modu

Israeli company's concept for modular cell phone that can be placed into stylized, function-changing "jackets" is intriguing if it evolves as Modu promises, says CNET's Kent German.
February 13, 2008

Taking a walk with a Google Android prototype

CNET Reviews Senior Editor Kent German examines a Google Android prototype at the GSMA Worold Congress. Our video lets you see it for yourself.
February 12, 2008

Samsung's new P960 and G10

Nokia or Sony Ericsson set the stakes high with their offerings, but Samsung certainly made a respectable showing with its new Soul and, previewed here, the G810 and the P960.
A smorgasbord of Samsung handsets February 12, 2008

Photos: Impressions of the Sony X1

Sony Ericsson was strict about limiting access to the Xperia X1 interface, but CNET got some up-close images of this Windows Mobile PDA phone.
February 12, 2008

Nokia Maps 2.0 anything but pedestrian

CNET's Bonnie Cha takes a walk with the newest version of Nokia's mapping software, now available in beta.
February 12, 2008

Moto's Z6w offers Wi-Fi

CNET Reviews' Kent German says that what (little) sets the Z6w apart is its integrated Wi-Fi, which outside of a few smartphones remains pretty elusive in the cell phone world.
Motorola gives us the W161 and W181, we yawn February 11, 2008

Hands-on with LG's Symbian sat-nav phone

CNET's Andrew Lim tries out this new candybar smartphone, which comes with GPS, a full Qwerty keypad, and a standard one to boot.
February 11, 2008

LG KS20: Windows Mobile without the bulk

CNET reviewer Nate Lanxon praises this phone for its big touch-sensitive screen, push e-mail support, gloriously fast HSDPA connectivity, and divine styling.
LG unveils touch screen phone model
LG KF510: LG's new glass-fronted hotness
February 11, 2008

Hands on with the Samsung Soul

Samsung's new Soul offers a unique navigation touchpad, a 5-megapixel camera, and a music player. CNET gives you a hands-on look from the GSMA World Congress in Barcelona.
Samsung introduces ARM-based smartphone chip
February 11, 2008

Take your best show with the new Sony Ericsson C702 and C902

At GSMA Sony Ericsson introduces two new Cyber-shot models with the C702 and C902. CNET's Kent German takes a look.
Sony Ericsson redefines the touchscreen with its new G-series
Sony Ericsson W980 Walkman phone
Web in a clamshell: Sony Ericsson Z770 debuts
February 10, 2008