At the event, Richard Yu, CEO of the company’s consumer unit, addressed the price issue head-on, stating: “There is so much new technology integrated here, to make it possible is very expensive. Our engineers are trying to bring the cost down.”

The approach Huawei has taken with the dual screens is to have 6.6-inch front and 6.4-inch rear screens which fold out to give an 8-inch display. Yu said engineers have worked for three years on the patented hinge design.

The Huawei exec took aim at Samsung’s Galaxy Fold – announced in the run-up to MWC19 Barcelona – by stating that the 4.6-inch display it offers when closed is “too small, it’s difficult to use”. Mate X also offers a larger display when unfolded, and does not have a cut out in the top part of the screen to house cameras.

Yu also said that the folded device which is 11mm thick, is 6mm thinner than “other foldable phones”, while the 5.4mm thickness when open is thinner than an iPad Pro.

Mate X is powered by Huawei’s Kirin 980 processor, paired with its Balong 5000 5G modem. This supports both non-standalone and standalone 5G, which Yu said means it is “not only for today’s 5G, but for the future 5G”.

The device has 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, with a 4,500mAh battery split into two cells, either side of the fold.

Other products

Yu kicked off the event by talking about the company’s work beyond the smartphone. He trumpeted sales of 100 million units plus for devices such as tablets, PCs and wearables, as an indicator that Huawei has a solid business in computing and consumer IoT products.

The company took the wraps off a new incarnation of its high-end MateBook X Pro laptop, which is said to offer a “borderless experience” with screen-to-body ratio of 91 per cent. The slimline device is also thinner than Apple’s MacBook Pro, measuring 14.6mm at its thickest point, compared with 14.9mm.

The device has also been upgraded internally, with a new high-end Intel Core i7 processor and improved Wi-Fi performance among the highlights. MateBook Pro X owners with Huawei smartphones will also be able to take advantage of a new feature called OneHop: tapping an NFC sticker on the computer enables fast file transfer of photos, videos and documents, or to trigger features such as screen recording for short clips.

Also joining the high-end device was touch-screen version of MateBook 13, and a slightly larger sibling – MateBook 14. The devices also support the OneHop technology.

And the company has also updated its 5G home user equipment, which includes indoor and outdoor products and a wireless hotspot.

The company said the Dual Screen is its spin on the foldable device trend.

“Designed to resemble a cover case, Dual Screen opens up to give LG V50 ThingQ 5G owners a second 6.2-inch OLED display for double the viewing, gaming and multitasking experience,” which can be used as a controller for games, to throw light on selfies, or use different apps simultaneously.

In a briefing, the company said it had no plans for a foldable screen this year, although it will eventually come out with one because it believes that is what everyone will be using in the future.

For now, it believes the best plan was to launch the add-on, which it hinted will be a more affordable option than a foldable screen.

It said with the new 5G device its focus was elsewhere: “With 5G it’s all about streaming in real time so we’ve integrated YouTube live in the native camera,” said Ken Hong, head of global communications.

It also wanted to tackle challenges around battery life, heat dissipation and a chunky design: it is 8.33mm thick.

The V50 has a Vapor Chamber system to keep internal temperatures low, and comes with a 4000mAh battery.

It also has a 6.4-inch QHD+ OLED FullVision Display to offer users “a heightened sense of immersion”, while audio has been upgraded to “produce a superb stereo performance”.

In preparation of rollout, LG is partnering with ten operators in markets including the US, South Korea, Australia as well as a number of European countries.

LG G8 ThinQ
The new G8 boasts a 3D time-of-flight front-facing camera, which LG dubbed the Z Camera, a feature which has so far been used in some devices’ rear-facing cameras.

It can be used to enable Air Motion. Through the feature, without touching the phone, users can answer or end calls, take screenshots, switch between applications or adjust the volume.

Users can also wave their hand above the phone to unlock. LG said this is a first and it is more secure than using fingerprints.

The device comes in two versions: with two or three cameras at the back.

There were no details on when the devices will be out in the market or at what price, other than that they will launch at some point this year, as the company reiterated they are only previewing them for now.

LG also plans to launch the G8s later in the year, which will have “slightly lower specs” than the G8.

Shane Lee, GM of TCL Communication’s global product centre, explained there are three major challenges to overcome when it comes to foldable devices: the display, the hardware housing and the software. With flexible display technology supplied by TCL Communication’s sister company and the new DragonHinge hardware casing, Lee said the company has already solved two of those hurdles.

DragonHinge relies on a set of internal gears at the folding point of the device, allowing it to bend in half without creating a crease in the display.

“We now have a hardware solution to build from, freeing us up to tackle the unique software experiences this new technology enables, and how it all ties in to the larger connected ecosystem as we prepare to launch our first foldable device next year,” he said in a statement.

Executives acknowledged the company is trailing larger rivals such as Samsung, but argued TCL Communication is aiming for accessibility rather than to be first to market. That means putting out devices at a reasonable price point and which come with adequate software support.

To that end, the company is already working with software partners including Google, a TCL Communication representative told Mobile World Live. The company is aiming to release its first foldable device in mid-2020.

“We’re not in a race to be the first because we feel it is more responsible to take a patient, thoughtful approach to not only solve hardware challenges, but also work with our partners on software solutions to ensure we deliver a meaningful user experience,” Peter Lee, TCL Communication’s GM of global sales and marketing said in a statement.

Device refresh
Separately, the company debuted five new devices under its Alcatel and BlackBerry brands, including the Alcatel 1S, 3, and 3L phones, 3T 10 tablet and BlackBerry Key2 Red Edition.

The Key2 Red Edition is a high-end version of the original, featuring 6GB of RAM, 128GB of storage and dual rear cameras. It will be available in select markets across North America, Europe, Middle East and Asia at a cost of €779.

With the exception of the 3T 10, the remaining devices represent updates to Alcatel’s 1 and 3 series of budget phones, which all retail for under €200. The 3, 3L and 1S will all be available starting in Q2.

Vodafone was able to make a seamless 4K video call on its network during the trial, utilising 5G download speeds that will be up to 10 times faster than 4G is today.

Both the smartphones and Vodafone’s 5G network were fully compliant with the latest version of the industry standard for Non-Standalone 5G – 3GPP’s ‘Release 15’, which was only approved in December 2018.

Vodafone has already rolled out a 5G network in the city centre of Barcelona. During Mobile World Congress, which starts on 25 February, a car will drive around the city streets measuring and reporting the 1.5Gbps speeds that the network is already delivering.

Vodafone is ready to launch 5G in a number of European cities during the second half of 2019.

Vodafone has invested in single Radio Access Network technology across 98% of its European 4G footprint. That will make it much simpler for Vodafone to add 5G on top of its existing 4G network in future. Additionally, Vodafone has been participating in 5G spectrum auctions in its European operating markets. More than two-thirds of Vodafone’s single RAN sites within major European cities already have sufficient backhaul to support 5G network speeds.

The device will celebrate ten years of the Galaxy range and will need to impress better than the current Galaxy 9 did last year amidst growing pressure from Chinese brands.

Over the past 10 years, Samsung has established a rich legacy of smartphone innovation that has helped make people’s lives smarter and easier.

Now, Samsung is celebrating a decade of game-changing innovations with a set of captivating billboards that pay homage to the company’s Korean originality and tease an exciting future for the Galaxy line up. In other words, a bold new vision for the Galaxy brand that will drive smartphone innovation for the next 10 years and beyond.

The billboards – which have been installed in Paris’s famous Place de la Concorde – pair beautiful imagery with text written in Hangeul, the Korean letters. When translated, the intriguing messages “미래를 펼치다” and “이월 이십일” are revealed to say, “The future unfolds” and “February twentieth.”

What exactly does the future hold for the Galaxy brand? You’ll have to wait until Galaxy Unpacked 2019 next month to find out. Until then, check out the images of the billboards below, and be sure to stay tuned to Samsung Newsroom for more updates on the company’s next big announcement.

In the future 84% respondents said they would be more likely to choose a product or do business with a company that has a strong reputation for data security and privacy.

More than half the respondents are prepared to pay more to know their data and privacy is protected in IoT devices and 67% said they would pay more for cars that used the highest safety and security software.

There was mixed reaction when it came to voice assistance in cars as only 25% of respondents said the voice assistance they trust most in their car, is Google, Siri came second with 19% and Alexa gaining support of 16% of the respondents.

There was great interest for a “seal” or “stamp of approval” on IoT devices as 82% of the respondents would like devices to designate a certain standard of security.

The company’s latest thematic research report, ‘Tech, Media & Telecom Trends 2019’, analyses the major trends impacting companies across 15 TMT sectors. While many of these trends are specific to individual sectors, there are several broad themes as well:

• Emerging technologies will continue to cause significant disruption
Every TMT sector will experience major upheaval due to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), process automation, and the Internet of Things (IoT). In order to maintain their position, leading incumbents will have to adapt to market conditions that are changing profoundly and at pace, while also fending off challenges from innovative start-ups.

• China’s influence on the global TMT industry will grow
China’s growing influence across every segment of the technology sector is not an accident, but an intrinsic part of the country’s strategic plan. The Chinese government has made clear its desire to lead globally in AI and has also invested significantly in other emerging technologies such as 5G. At the same time, the country’s leading technology companies are emerging as major forces on the global stage, with the likes of Alibaba and Huawei expanding their international presence. Consequently, companies in all TMT sectors should be watching developments in China very closely.

• Cybersecurity will become a priority for all senior executives
The frequency of cyberattacks will continue to increase in 2019 and it is vital that senior executives across all industries have a clear understanding of both the inherent risks they face, and the potential consequences of a security breach. Organizations must embrace cybersecurity as a core component of their digital transformation efforts and partner with third parties to establish the right cybersecurity strategy.

• Political issues will present major challenges for TMT companies
The ongoing trade war between China and the US will continue to impact the sales, profits and global supply chains of businesses across the TMT industry. The ultimate outcome of the dispute is difficult to predict, with neither side willing to back down, and the resulting uncertainty will only add to the challenges facing technology companies. In Europe, the long-running saga of Brexit is still far from settled and is likely to create cost, pricing, and supply chain issues for a wide variety of firms.

• Regulation will be an issue for the tech giants, but it will not stop them growing
The world’s largest technology companies are under increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies on a wide variety of issues, including tax avoidance, data privacy, hate speech and fake news. While these industry giants are strong enough – and diversified enough – to continue growing despite greater oversight, they should not underestimate the threat that regulation poses, not least to their bottom line. Many of these regulatory initiatives are also driven by very real concerns about the ability of companies like Facebook, Google and Amazon to negatively impact society, something that the companies themselves should not be too quick to dismiss.

Cyrus Mewawalla, Head of Thematic Research at GlobalData, said: “In 2019 companies should ensure they are tracking the relevant themes, as companies who invest in the right themes become success stories; those who miss the big themes end up as failures. Given that so many themes are disruptive, it is very easy to be blindsided by industry outsiders who invade your sector.”

This article titled “Apple and China’s problems show that today’s titans may not rule the world tomorrow” was written by Will Hutton, for The Observer on Sunday 6th January 2019 06.00 UTC

Our mental geography is bounded by what has gone before. What has happened in the recently remembered past is most likely to continue. Inflection points, when trends decisively change, are more infrequent than the many instances when things go on as they have done.

Two of today’s trends seem unstoppable. China’s astounding growth will continue, so the story runs, underwriting its arrival as the second economic superpower. To get a share in that China action, underpinning the entire growth of Asia, is one of the prime economic arguments for Brexit. Abandon sclerotic Europe, embrace the prosperity of Asia – even if it is a world of semi-democracy at best, authoritarian government at worst. It can be guaranteed to grow.

Second, the west coast big tech companies, from Facebook to Apple, are the new wonders of the universe. They are the bewilderingly successful face of the informational, data-driven economy whose value continues to soar. Apple, then Amazon, became the first trillion-dollar corporations last year, both exemplars of how first movers in innovation with their transformative technologies have become 21st-century titans, driving stock market growth and changing society alike.

However, last week, both trends were decisively challenged in what looks like a world-changing inflection moment, one where consensus assumptions start to unravel. Apple announced that for the first time in 17 years it would not meet its forecasts for revenue growth – and by a big margin. Its CEO, Tim Cook, explained to investors and staff that apart from the problems facing all makers of mobile phones – it is becoming a mature market – there was unexpected sales weakness in China. This was not just down to intense competition, but because China’s consumers were spending much less. Apple’s share price plunged – cumulatively, its value has fallen by a stunning 0bn in a couple of months.

But surely China, landing its robotic satellite on the far side of the moon, is suffering no more than a typical cyclical setback, intensified by Donald Trump’s trade war? Perhaps, but look more closely and it is ever clearer that long-standing problems are starting to envelop this continental economy.

It was only eight years ago that China registered 12% growth as the government turbo-boosted its economy with a massive stimulus in the wake of the financial crisis, growth that staved off a world slump. But since then its official growth rate has been consistently sliding, now halved at 6%, and China’s consumers have started to notice what last year’s 25% fall in China’s stock market is also signalling. Alongside Apple’s statement, last week’s surveys showing China’s famed manufacturing sector is set to decline in 2019 and further weakness in retail sales were more evidence that all is not well. China’s consumers are reading the runes.

Part of the issue for both Apple and China is the law of large numbers. Three-fifths of Apple’s sales are iPhones and there just aren’t enough global consumers with pockets deep enough to keep up the growth momentum. China’s issues are even more profound. There comes a limit, even in a state-controlled economy, to manipulating growth through debt and exports when the numbers reach astronomic levels. China’s total debt, even on distrusted official figures, is approaching three times its GDP, a flashpoint ratio for every economy when bank balance sheets, and their borrowers, just become too overstretched.

This was the trigger for Japan’s economic depression 30 years ago. Moreover, if China’s exports carried on growing as fast as they had, they would crowd out every other export from every country in the world by the mid-2020s. This was never likely, economically or politically. If Trump had not launched his trade offensive, another US leader would have done so. Apple and China, bluntly, are in a fix.

The Chinese Communist party is in a gathering crisis of legitimacy. If the growth rate sinks below 6% (unofficial figures now place growth at under 2% in 2018), its job-generating capacity starts to falter and questions will be asked about the competence of the party. Past leaders have responded to crises by intensifying the pace of transition towards a capitalist economy and boosting infrastructure spending as a quick fix.

These are not options for Xi Jinping. So high has infrastructure spending been for so long that the financial returns to justify further debt are nonexistent. Nor can he free the economy further without endangering the party’s control. His options are a combination of hoping hi-tech, driven by extravagant R&D spending, will offer a stronger economy (along with more repression as a safety fallback and finding enemies around which the country can unite).

The speech last week warning China might go to war to end Taiwan’s independence was the most bellicose of any Chinese leader since Mao. Be in no doubt – if economic difficulties worsen, Xi may be compelled to rally his restive population around a limited conflict just to stay in power.

In a mirror image, Apple is spending as aggressively on R&D as China, hoping that will solve its problems too. Apple is indubitably innovative and the scale of its research should throw up new products; it is already developing a great service business. For China, the message is even starker. A one-party state can’t risk any bumps – and there are more than bumps ahead. Nothing, not even the wondrous success of the iPhone, lasts for ever. And that is especially true for a dysfunctional Chinese economy, and the party that runs it.

guardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010

Published via the Guardian News Feed plugin for WordPress.

Smart home systems include a smart gateway which enables cloud-based security system to manage home security and appliances from anywhere in the world.  These gateways offer WIFI connectivity to multiple sensors and add on components. By adding smart power sockets, for example, you can operate connected electric appliances remotely, combining safety with convenience. Choosing the right gate way is key as all add on sensors are usually only compatible with that equipment.

Konig Smart Home Security System

Wireless Technology: WiFi 868Mhz
Software Apps: Free Apps for Apple & Android
Detector Types: Contact and Motion
Accessories: Max 24
Cameras Supported: Max 4
Detector Range: 16m
Interface: RJ45
Power: Mains 230-240 VAC
Batteries:  CR2032 & AA/LR6
Costs:  Costs vary depending upon package.  Price £49.99 to £119.99

iNels Smart Home Security System

Wireless Technology: WiFi 868Mhz
Software Apps: Free Apps for Apple & Android
Detector Types: Contact and Motion
Accessories: Multiple
Cameras Supported: Yes
Detector Range: Not specified
Interface: RJ45
Power: Mains 230-240 VAC
Batteries:  Not specified
Costs:  Costs vary depending upon package. Price £129.99 to £369.99

Home8 Smart Home Security System

Wireless Technology: WiFi 433Mhz
Software Apps: Easy to install Free App
Detector Types: Contact and Motion
Accessories: Multiple
Cameras Supported: Yes
Detector Range: Not specified
Interface: RJ45
Power: Mains 220-240 VAC
Batteries:  Not specified
Costs:  Price around £264.99

DI-O Smart Home Security System

Wireless Technology: WiFi 868/433Mhz
Software Apps: Free Apps for Apple & Android & Windows
Detector Types: Contact and Motion
Accessories: Multiple
Cameras Supported: Yes
Detector Range: 150m
Interface: RJ45
Power: Mains 230-240 VAC
Batteries:  Not specified
Costs:  Price start from £114.99

IDENCY Smart Home Security System

Wireless Technology: WiFi 868Mhz
Software Apps: Easy to install Free App
Detector Types: Contact and Motion
Accessories: Max 24
Cameras Supported: Max 4
Detector Range: 150m
Interface: RJ45
Power: Mains 230-240 VAC
Batteries:  Not specified
Costs:  Price around £209.99

Blaupunkt Smart Home Security System

Wireless Technology: WiFi 868Mhz
Software Apps: Free Apps for Apple & Android
Detector Types: Contact and Motion
Accessories: Max 40
Cameras Supported: Max 4
Detector Range: Not specified
Interface: RJ45
Power: Mains 230-240 VAC
Batteries:  Not specified
Costs:  Price around £399.99

The risk to child wellbeing online is evolving rapidly with almost 1 in 5 parents admitting their child has received cruel comments online[1]. The new partnership seeks to direct teenagers and parents alike, to a wealth of combined knowledge that is trustworthy, easily accessible and helps anyone that is regularly online, feel up to date and well informed.

As pioneers of mobile data and more recently the “Phones are Good” debate, Three is committed to making a positive impact when it comes to internet and mobile protection for the younger generation. Three wants to help unlock all the benefits and fun of mobile devices through better understanding of some of the more negative aspects.

To deliver this education programme, Three and Internet Matters will work collaboratively to create meaningful resources that address online safety concerns. Rather than discourage internet and mobile use, the resources will show that when used safely the online world can be a limitless resource of fun, education and empowerment.

As well as combining both institutions’ expertise, Three, the best network for data, will also look to bring new insight from Internet Matters into its already successful Discovery programme – an in-store initiative which offers free training and workshops on digital and mobile technology to all individuals, communities and businesses, regardless of age of network.

The first year of the partnership will see the duo kick-start their plans and develop wider campaigns that will equip parents and teenagers with the knowledge and tools to help everyone enjoy the internet as safely as possible.

Dave Dyson, CEO at Three UK, said: “As a mobile operator we have a huge part to play in supporting parents and children to keep safe online. We felt it was important for us to become part of a trusted organisation such as Internet Matters, where we can share knowledge and collaborate with other members to ensure advice is easily accessible for the customer.

“We want everyone to enjoy the many benefits of mobile devices which far outweighs the negative aspects and we recognise there is a dark side. We believe that this partnership will enable us to create some meaningful resources and ways to help customers understand how to protect themselves and their children helping to build a safer mobile future for all.”

Carolyn Bunting, CEO of Internet Matters said: “At Internet Matters, we hear first hand from parents who want to know how they can help their children stay safe on mobile devices.