Samsung Electronics Co., the world’s largest mobile-phone maker, said Friday it plans to show a new mobile device in late August, trying to stay in the consumer spotlight ahead of Apple’s expected release of the latest iPhone in September, the Associated Press reports. The move comes as Samsung is ensnarled in a closely-watched courtroom fight with Apple Inc. over smartphone and tablet patents. Each side is seeking billions of dollars in compensation or royalty payments. The South Korean company said the new device will be unveiled Aug. 29 in Berlin, two days before Europe’s biggest consumer electronics show, IFA. The company declined to give more details. But analysts said it is likely an update of the Galaxy Note, which has a screen bigger than smartphones but smaller than tablet computers and can be used with a stylus pen.
“It is time for the new Galaxy Note,” said Kim Young-chan, an analyst at Shinhan Investment. “Samsung’s strategy is to roll out a new product before Apple does, so there will be a new smartphone before the new iPhone.”