Google to unveil first phone work

Google, Nokia and Sony Ericsson are poised to unveil a raft of new products over the next three days at the GSMA annual Mobile World Conference in Barcelona, Spain.

Google is expected to unveil a platform prototype in conjunction with UK chip designer ARM, ahead of the launch of its much-anticipated phone, which is expected to be designed in time for the second half of 2008.

LG has announced a new ‘smartphone’, the LG-KT610, while Sony Ericsson has unveiled its first handset powered by Windows Mobile – the X1 – as well two touchscreen organiser phones, the G700 and G900, and its latest clamshell model, the Z770.

The importance of emerging markets across India, China and Africa, the rise of social networking, mobile television and the growth of mobile payment systems are all expected to shape debate at the conference.

Keynote speakers include Vodafone head of advertising Richard Saggers, chief technology officer of Telefonica O2 Dave Williams and the senior vice-president of Yahoo’s broadband and mobile business, Steve Boom.

Of particular interest to digital and product designers will be the GSMA ‘innovation zone’, where exhibitors will showcase the latest applications, services and technological advances, while networking with operators and business contacts.

The fair runs from 11-14 February at Fira de Barcelona, Montjuic Avinguda Reina Maria Cristina in Barcelona.

See www.mobileworldcongress.com for more details.