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Best of MWC shows way to 5G future
In the first part of his selection of stand-out new tech from Mobile World Congress, ARTHUR GOLDSTUCK finds 5G rules.
Best 5G roll-out: Rain Mobile
South Africa’s upstart data-only network Rain made a big splash at MWC. At a press conference during the event Rain, CEO Willem Roos announced that the provider had gone live with the country’s first 5G network, built with both Huawei and Nokia technology. The first phase of roll-out saw 5G sites deployed by Huawei in key areas in Johannesburg, using
Huawei’s end-to-end 5G solutions and Rain’s licence for 3.6GHz spectrum, which allows fibre-like speeds.
Best 5G device: HTC 5G Mobile Hub
While Huawei announced a family of 5G routers at MWC, these will only be available towards the end of the year. Meanwhile, HTC unveiled the first dedicated 5G mobile router, the HTC 5G Hub, designed for use in both home and office. It enables smooth 4K video streaming, low-latency gaming, and 5G mobile hotspot features for up to 20 users.Where 5G is switched on by networks, this gadget could well become the heart of a connected home or small office.
Best VR/AR device: Eyesight
Eyesight shot the lights out with the quality of its augmented reality (AR) smart glasses. Far better-known companies exhibiting similar technology at MWC were put in the shade, thanks to this company’s founders being steeped in fighter jet pilot AR gear. From that no-compromise world, the tech has been brought to “regular consumers at a reasonable price”. Not only is it slim, sleek and compact, it also looks cool. It uses BEAM projection technology that means it is still effective in bright sunlight – delivering one of the holy grails of AR. It’s most enthusiastic user base at present comprises amateur and professional cyclists, who are using it to complement information on their rides.
• Arthur Goldstuck is founder of World Wide Worx and editor-in-chief of Gadget.co.za. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram on @art2gee
