Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch to be unveiled

The Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch will be unveiled on September 4. Picture: Comp

The Korean electronics giant will reveal the hi-tech product at an event in Berlin, Germany, a senior company executive has said.

Lee Young-hee, executive vice president of Samsung’s mobile business, said the Galaxy Gear watch would lead a “new trend” in mobile communications and was targeted at young trend setters.

But she gave few details about the gadget which will go on show ahead of the IFA consumer electronics fair.

“We will be introducing a new wearable concept device called Galaxy Gear at our own event in Berlin on Sept 4,” she told The Korea Times.

“The Gear won’t have a flexible display. The new device will enhance and enrich the current smart mobile experience in many ways. It will lead a new trend in smart mobile communications.

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“We are confident that the Gear will add meaningful momentum to the mobile industry.”

She also suggested the South Korean firm planned to introduce more advanced gadgets.

“We have intellectual properties for patents related to the next wearable devices,” she told the paper. “Those are concepts for future products.”

Samsung is believed to have been developing its smartwatch for some time as it squares up against rivals such as Sony.

Speculation surrounding the device has been rife. According to reports, it is expected to feature a screen controlled by a small panel with keys similar to those featured on the firm’s Galaxy Android handset.

The watch is rumoured to make and receive phone calls, send emails and text messages and store information.

Both Google and Apple are widely believed to be working on watches.

Samsung is also preparing to showcase its Galaxy Note 3 - a smartphone/tablet hybrid - to the world at IFA, The Korea Times said.