MWC 2017 Wearables Wrap-Up: Huawei Gets Outdoorsy with Wear 2.0 & 4G, Withings Re-Brands to Nokia

In a departure from recent Mobile World Congresses, wearables developments of note were in short supply this year at MWC 2017.   The Huawei Watch 2 - a long awaited 4G + GPS successor to the acclaimed Huawei Watch - went sporty to steal the show in wearables. Yet we would advise smartwatch followers to keep a closer eye on Baselworld (23-30 March) for a number of smartwatch developments coming from traditional wrist-wear players, including such iconic brands as Movado. Smartglasses as well as AR solutions also took on noticeably less importance at MWC this year. Ditto for the rapidly commoditizing fitness bands category where one had to actively seek them out the exhibits halls this year.  Still, while some air is escaping we don’t believe for a moment the wearables bubble is bursting.