Samsung Electronics and LG unveiled new smartphones with better cameras and turned to virtual reality to boost interest in their headsets at a time of slowing sales.
Samsung launched two versions of its flagship phone, the flat screen Galaxy S7 and the curved screen Galaxy S7 edge, with cameras that can take better pictures under low-light conditions.
The company also debuted its first 360 degree camera, the Gear 360, in Barcelona where the mobile industry is gathered for Mobile World Congress, in its latest attempt to remain ahead of Apple.
The camera is designed to make it easy to take all-around photos and videos that can be uploaded to Facebook and YouTube, or viewed as immersive experiences on Samsung's virtual reality Gear VR headsets which went on sale in November.
"User generated 360 degree photos and films are going to see rapid growth in 2016. Numerous 360 degree cameras are being launched and users will want to get access to this content," said Ben Wood, chief of research at CCS Insight. "Although it can be viewed on a standard smartphone or PC screen, the most impactful way of looking at this content is with a VR headset -- this is undoubtedly going to drive sales of these products."
Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg made a surprise appearance at the Samsung press conference to announce a partnership with the South Korean firm to promote the use of virtual reality on the social network. "We want to make Facebook the best video platform for virtual reality, and Samsung is the only company in the world that can provide a good experience in terms of virtual reality," he said.
Rival LG sought to steal Samsung's thunder by unveiling its new premium handset, the G5, its first modular smartphone which is made using different components that can be independently upgraded or replaced such as a removable battery. The G5 comes with several accessories such as a sound system developed by Danish firm Bang & Olufsen and a virtual reality headset which will allow it to compete with a headset launched by Samsung late last year.
The focus on accessories comes with the smartphone market beginning to slow as it becomes increasingly saturated.
"All of these additional devices, whether it is a virtual reality goggle, whether it is a camera, whether it is a smartwatch, they are all ways of generating additional profits," said Ian Fogg, the head mobile and technology analyst at IHS Technology.
