Korean Players to Keep an Eye On at MWC 2013

Published on 2013/03/02 | Source

Photo Credit: www.mobileworldcongress.com

This week the smartphone makers from around the world have gathered in Barcelona to announce the latest developments in technology. According to a story in the WSJ, some of this year's big themes include near-field communications (NFC), connected living and 4G technology.

Korea, known for being home to many of the tech industry leaders, have top billing at this year's Mobile World Congress (MWC), where their products are eagerly anticipated. The obvious Korean heavyweights, Samsung and LG, have annually used this opportunity to unveil their newest mobile technology. This year was no exception as Samsung used MWC as a platform to announce its mini-tablet GALAXY Note 8.0, and LG unveiled its top-of-the-line smartphone, Optimus G Pro.

Photo Credit: http://bit.ly/WlAgdv

Besides Samsung and LG, there are actually 71 other companies and organizations from Korea exhibiting in Barcelona this year. Lets look at a few other interesting Korean players that are attending MWC 2013.

DiCAPac

Photo Credit: http://www.dicapac.com/main.asp

DiCAPac is the chief innovator for waterproof cases that protect electronic devices such as cameras and smartphones from water. The cases consist of a super transparent vinyl waterproof case and UV coated optical lens. The company asserts that the photo quality of pictures taken underwater using the special cases have the same quality as high-end underwater cameras.

SK Hynix

Photo Credit: http://www.skhynix.com/gl/products/

SK Hynix is a leading Korean supplier of advanced semiconductor memory solutions and image sensor products. It designs, develops, manufactures and markets a wide variety of DRAM, NAND Flash memory chips and CMOS Image Sensors. Memory components are essential for computing, consumer and wireless communications applications. Image Sensors are used in a wide range of portable consumer electronics products such as handsets and handheld games.

Donut System LSI Co., LTD0

Photo Credit: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ilucir/id524627662?mt=8

Donut System has brought something a bit less common to the expo. Located in Seongnam-si, Korea, the company has developed the world's first smartphone operated portable body fat analyzer. The iLucir connects to your smartphone to measure your body fat percentage and gives you results in an accompanying app. Unlike home scales that measure body fat, the iLucir doesn't require you to remove your shoes or socks.

ACEN Co.,Ltd.
ACEN, a relatively new venture company, launched A-Scan, a professional portable breathalyzer that pairs with a smartphone to detect alcohol in a user's breath. Already A-Scan has won the IF (International Forum Award) product design award for 2013. This device and the technology behind it let you (or perhaps a law enforcement officer) double-check your blood alcohol level before getting behind the wheel.

Meditech
Meditech showcased a bluetooth accessory called Calling Pendant. In emergency situations, the Calling Pendant can send your location to one or more devices that are pre-designated via a smartphone app.

About the author by Anna C.

Avid fan of all things Korean whether it be technology, design, art or culture. I am always interested in finding and sharing the hottest innovations and trends originating from Korea. In my spare time you'll find me roaming the streets of Seoul enjoying the beautiful scenes of the city that combines both the traditional and the new.

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