MWC: 70 per cent of electronic devices internet connected by 2014

BARCELONA: Over 70 per cent of electronic devices will be connected to the internet by 2014 as wireless connectivity drives a huge surge in uptake, according to Qualcomm chief executive Paul Jacobs.

Increasing numbers of devices will become interactive, and smartphones will sit in the centre of this connected web to orchestrate the interactions, Jacobs said in a keynote speech at Mobile World Congress.

Jacobs highlighted the importance of peer-to-peer interactions in particular, stating that they will allow people to interact with their environment, and share content with others on the move.

He also pointed to benefits in areas such as healthcare, saying that in " five to 10 years' time you will feel more in touch with your healthcare professional".

A key challenge, however, will be to ensure that devices connect seamlessly and in a co-ordinated way, Jacobs added.

Meanwhile, Nokia is looking to build on its slogan of connecting people. New chief executive Stephen Elop announced that Nokia will connect one billion people to the internet via a three-step plan.

This will be done primarily through the Nokia-Microsoft partnership, sales of low-end mobile devices and investment in future platforms.

Elop explained that Nokia will expand its Nokia Money and Nokia Life tools, and provide more social network and email products for low-tier devices.

"We will introduce Series 40 maps to leverage location-based services at the low end, and drive third-party innovation through local partnerships including new SDKs and developer tools to reach the next billion," he said.