In pictures: Microsoft at Mobile World Congress 2016

Last year, Microsoft"s stand at Mobile World Congress was a vast, sprawling extravaganza, spread across two floors, with its own DJ booth, and a giant hot air balloon.

This year, its presence at the biggest event in the mobile industry calendar is a much smaller affair - "cozy" is how one of the Microsoft team described it to me - in quiet recognition of the fact that Microsoft itself has dramatically scaled back its ambitions in the mobile space.

As in previous years, Microsoft is focusing not only on devices, but on the experiences that are powered by its software. As far as its own hardware goes, visitors to its stand have the opportunity to check out its latest Surface devices...

...and the Band 2 wearable device, along with its newest Lumia smartphones.

Along with its own hardware, the company is showcasing smartphones and small tablets from some of its partners...

...but don"t get too excited by the prospect of a new device coming soon - this sign is on the partner table, so don"t expect a new Lumia to suddenly be announced in the next couple of days.

After all, the company only announced the new Lumia 650 last week.

Other hardware on show includes specialized devices, such as those for use in retail environments...

...or even a highly focused tablet intended for use in hotel rooms, co-developed by Microsoft and HP.

Visitors can also chill out on the couch for a spot of gaming...

...or get down to business with Microsoft"s massive collaboration-focused Surface Hub display.

There are also opportunities for Microsoft to try to explain why Windows 10 makes sense in corporate environments. Its recent success in convincing the US Department of Defense to upgrade four million machines within the next year will surely strengthen its case there.

There"s also an exclusive, by-invitation-only area for Microsoft to meet with partners, analysts and other guests away from the hustle and bustle of the main show stand.

Sadly, though, the closest that most visitors will get to the company"s new HoloLens headset is through a glass case.

But anyone can stick around for one of the regular talks during the day on a range of themes and topics...

...and many of them on day 1 of Mobile World Congress 2016 proved very popular indeed. Even after all these years, Microsoft can still pull in the crowds.

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