Twitter talks as MWC steps out of mobile shadows

Unsurprisingly, Mobile World Congress 2015 attracted interest from all ends of the world, with the global event attracting big conversations across social media.

Particularly on Twitter, according to the Hotwire’s Insights and Analytics findings out today, which reveals the top 10 brands which generated the most chatter during the three days.

But while Samsung’s newly unveiled Galaxy S6 Edge topped the MWC 2015 charts in terms of being crowned the 'Best New Handset, Tablet or Device' at the event, Twitter suggests the world’s biggest mobile gathering actually preferred virtual reality and wearable devices.

Topping the list of brand mentions on Twitter, HTC led the way ahead of tech giants Samsung and Microsoft, with greater focus on the company’s Vive product, a virtual reality headset.

“This year's Mobile World Congress was about so much more than mobiles as virtual reality headsets and a new wave of wearable technology took centre stage,” says Brendon Craigie, CEO, Hotwire Group.

“Predictably, big brand operators such as HTC, Samsung and Huawei have dominated the social media chatter, generating almost 60,000 tweets combined.

“However, it was the unveiling of the innovative HTC Vive virtual reality gaming headset which created the biggest excitement by inviting consumers, brands and businesses to imagine a radical and engaging future."

According to Craigie, MWC has “evolved considerably” from its Telecom roots just by looking at the companies making an impact in 2015, from the long-standing presence of traditional operators like Blackberry to the entrance of ambitious and innovative retailers like Ikea.

“Perhaps this is the future of the Barcelona trade show,” speculates Craigie, “but also the "mobile" industry as this term comes to encompass even more.

“We are excited to see what the brightest minds in tech will bring to the stand next year."

Craigie believes the smart use of digital is a “great differentiator” in the crowded trade show environment, especially when more and more consumers are paying attention to the new gadgets and gizmos emerging from this event.

“However, when we are witnessing the launch of products that will either define their categories as the go-to device, or fail to make their mark entirely, the challenge for the hundreds of companies competing for share of voice is how to make their story relevant – and interesting,” he adds.

Check out Hotwire’s Insights and Analytics findings below: