MWC 2020 | No-show for Sony; TCL cancels its press conference

Sony has released a statement on its website stating that it has taken the "difficult decision" to cancel its participation in and exhibitions at the upcoming MWC 2020 event. It has done so out of regard for the "safety and wellbeing of our customers, partners, media and employees" in relation to the rapidly-worsening public health situation associated with the novel coronavirus nCoV-2019. 

However, the Japanese OEM will substitute its planned press conference at the show with an online video analog, to be held on February 24, 2020 at 8:30 CET. Given that this will be broadcast via the Xperia YouTube channel, it is a safe bet that the stream will concern new phones from the brand.

Sony has been linked to rumors that it will launch the world's first 5G/4K OLED-display mobile device at MWC 2020. Other leaks suggest a new Xperia camera array with a veritable kitchen sink's worth of up-to-date features, a 64MP sensor and a periscope lens included.

In other MWC 2020 news, the display specialist TCL has also announced the cancellation of its press conference; however, it intends to press on with the rest of its planned activities at the major Barcelona-based tech show.