Tech giants get ready for global fair

Local tech giants are set to unveil some of their latest products at one of the world’s biggest electronics trade fairs in Berlin next month.

Big players Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are set to participate in IFA Berlin, which runs from Sept. 4 through 9, and both will unveil the latest versions of their smartwatches - Samsung’s Gear S2, Gear S2 Classic and the LG Watch Urbane Luxe.

Samsung’s fashion unit will showcase fashion items embedded with technology at the trade show, said Samsung C&T, the newly merged company whose business encompasses fashion, retail, construction and trading.

This is the first time a fashion company will participate in the fair.

The company will also feature a phone-charging bag called On Bag and a wallet which can send electronic business cards to other smartphones.

Yoon Joo-hwa, head of the fashion business at Samsung C&T will attend the event.

Alongside the smart fashion accessories, new wearables are likely to attract gadget lovers.

On top of the array of wearable sensors such as an accelerometer, gyroscope and heart-rate monitor, Samsung will likely offer Samsung Pay on the watch, according to multiple media reports.

LG Electronics has worked with U.S. company Reeds Jewelers to produce the Watch Urbane Luxe which is covered with 23-karat gold and an alligator leather strap.

The luxury watch comes with a hefty price tag of $1,200, though. Only 500 units will be made for sale with its release date set at the end of October.

Another highlight of the IFA will be Apple’s iPhone 6S model, which is slated to make its debut with a 5.5-inch screen.

Chinese smartphone maker Huawei will also likely release the Mate 8 phablet.

A total of 1,500 tech companies around the world are expected to attend the show.

BY PARK EUN-JEE [park.eunjee@joongang.co.kr]