Asian tech giants rush to beat Apple

Samsung and Sony are said to be unveiling new devices next month as two of Asia’s biggest technology companies try to showcase their products before Apple releases new iPhones and iPads.

Samsung’s Galaxy Gear, a wristwatch-like device with features of a smartphone, and Note 3 will be introduced on Sept 4.

Sony’s latest Xperia handset, featuring imaging sensors used in its TVs and cameras, will be unveiled the same day, sources said.

Samsung and Sony are trying to steal a march on Apple, which has promised “several more game changers” in the product pipeline. Apple, which hasn’t released a new handset this year, plans to introduce new versions of its iPhone and iPad at a Sept 10 event.

“It is meaningful for Samsung to launch the product first ahead of Apple,” said James Song, a Seoul-based analyst at Daewoo Securities.

“Putting new devices out there ahead of Apple will at least have some positive leapfrogging impact on both companies.”

The Samsung and Sony announcements are both scheduled two days before the start of the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin, which runs from Sept 6-11.

Samsung, Asia’s biggest technology company, is racing Sony and other competitors to create a new industry of wearable devices as the market for top-end handsets nears saturation.

The global watch industry will generate more than €45bn in sales this year.

“If Samsung’s new watch is stylish with a lot of cool and ‘wow’ factors, and also is well-tethered with smartphones, it could create new demand,” said Lee Do Hoon, an analyst at CIMB Group Holdings in Seoul.

“If the watch sells well, the upside potential for its earnings will be quite big.”

Reports in February suggested that Apple had a team of about 100 people working on a watch-like device.

The US giant is seeking a trademark for “iWatch” in Japan.