South Korea's Samsung Electronics said Friday it would unveil a new mobile device this month, just weeks before the likely debut of the iPhone 5 from arch-rival Apple.
A spokesman for Samsung, the world's largest smartphone maker, declined to give details of the device to be shown in Berlin on August 29, two days before the opening of Europe's largest consumer electronics show IFA.Analysts said it was likely to be an upgraded version of the Galaxy Note.
The announcement comes as the two tech giants are embroiled in a major courtroom battle in California over patents for smartphones and tablet computers.
Apple is seeking more than $2.5 billion after accusing the Korean firm of infringing designs and other patents. Samsung denies this and counter-charges that Apple infringed its patents for wireless communication.
The rivals have launched dozens of legal actions against each other in 10 countries worldwide.
The Note, which has a 5.3-inch (13.5 centimetre) screen larger than a smartphone but smaller than a tablet, is positioned between the firm's flagship Android-equipped Galaxy smartphone and Galaxy Tab.
"It's highly likely to be Galaxy Note 2," said Greg Roh, senior analyst from HMC Securities Investment, commenting on the device to be unveiled in Berlin.
But he told AFP he did not see a particular correlation between the launch and the release date of the iPhone 5, widely expected in September or October.
"I think Samsung is trying to maintain its reputation as number one smartphone company with a public image that they always have something to show to consumers, and that they carry out what they've promised to show," he said.
Market researcher Strategy Analytics said last week the Korean firm increased its share of the global smartphone market in the second quarter to 34.6 percent, compared with 17.8 percent for Apple.
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