Virtuality becomes a reality at the MWC

… at MWC 2016 is virtual reality (VR). For now, a VR experience still requires strapping a funny-looking device onto one's face. But so what? You might encounter a different world in there, even a totally new one. These young men seem to be having the time of their lives.

In the world of mobile communications, Barcelona's Mobile World Congress is one of the two biggest European events - the other being Berlin's IFA. On Monday, MWC 2016 opened to the press, and almost 4000 journalists gathered in Barcelona, eager to witness the future of communication - even if working conditions sometimes are a bit behind the times.

A mobile-phone battery too often makes a nuisance of itself by plaguing you with the never-ending question: Where can I charge the darn thing? How long will it take? The new LG5 smartphone from South Korean electronics giant LG addresses the problem by means of a detachable battery.

Galaxy S7 smartphone graphics are set to perform much better - 64 percent better compared to the S6, according to producer Samsung. The S7 comes in four different colours, is waterproof and dust-protected. And gamblers don't have to fear palms running hot or fingertips burnt in the action. The G7 stays cool for hours of gambling - by means of a water-cooling system.

Using a mobile phone merely as a telephone is pretty old-school. In fact, making calls isn't the main use of smartphones these days. More often they're used for emailing, SMSing, or as cameras, music-players, or music-recorders, or as even as compasses, mason's levels or torches, among other things. In any case, they've got to be stylish. The Samsungs S7 or S7 Edge demonstrate this principle.

Chinese hi-tech producer Huawei presented the new "Matebook" in Barcelona. The tablet is easily turned into a fully-fledged notebook with an extra keyboard or mouse. Testers report the Matebook to be a surprisingly robust device, contrary to its somewhat flimsy appearance: It's only seven millimetres thick and weighs less than 640 grams.

Aren't they cute? LG's Rolling Bots resemble Star-Wars BB-8 robots. And they're smart too: While alone at home, the bots surveil the premises like a rolling CCTV-squadron. But the best is still to come: Led by a special program, they entertain the pets! Cat and Dog will be thrilled... we hope.

Posting to Facebook? That's so 2015. Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg is aiming his corporation's mighty resources at Virtual Realtiy. "VR is going to be the next social platform," the Harvard drop-out said at MWC as he outlined Facebook's emerging cooperation with Samsung.

These men looking through Samsung's Galaxy Gear VR appear to be dazzled by what they see - or perhaps one should say: what they quasi-experience. Maybe Mark Zuckerberg's optimism is not so far-fetched. These and lots of other novelties will be on display at Barcelona's MWC until February 25th. If you miss it, don't worry: Most of the gear on display will be for sale in retail stores quite soon.