Mobile phone show opens in Barcelona

Mobile Show In Barcelona

The German tech industry estimates a record year for smartphones and mobile revenues. Meanwhile, Chinese companies are set to release $100 smartphones, which could significantly broaden the market for the devices.

Tech industry representatives and gadget watchers from around the globe have begun converging on Barcelona for the annual Mobile World Congress.

This major international tech convention showcases the latest in mobile phones and other portable computing devices.

"We are seeing many new smartphones, some new tablets and very many apps," said Lutz Labs, editor of computer magazine c't, in an interview

This year, in Germany, total sales of smartphones have overtaken conventional phones for the first time - a total of 16 million units, according to the tech industry trade group, BITKOM.

One technology that the mobile industry is banking on is the rise of Near-Field Communication, or NFC. This wireless technology allows small amounts of data to be exchanged at short range, which has already begun to be use in some electronic payment systems, or "digital wallet" applications.

There are also signs that smartphones are set to break into the entry-level market for mobiles. With Chinese companies, including ZTE and Huawei, producing smartphones at a retail price of about $100 (74 euros), many more consumers are expected to take advantage of apps and portable Internet access.

This rise is certain to be a boon for the mobile industry. In Germany alone, BITKOM estimates that revenue from mobile data services will rise by the end of the year to 8.2 billion euros.