Samsung, LG accelerate smart life at IFA

Samsung, LG presents new lineup of intelligent products, Sony adds oomph to 3D competition

By Kim Yoo-chul

BERLIN _ Korean technology giants Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics are expecting to compete ferociously in the rapidly growing market for intelligent, data-enabled products both in consumer electronics and mobile devices.

The companies were seen liberally using phrases such as ``smart life,’’ ``intelligence,’’ and ``sophistication’’ in presenting their new products and business strategies at the IFA technology fair here.

Of course, the remaining economic uncertainties fuel skepticism on whether consumers will be willing to splurge on these futuristic but unproven products, but the companies that tout them insist that they are about to revolutionize the life of the average couch potato.

The advancement in digital technologies continues to blur the lines between hardware, software, and content, and this is resulting in an expanding trend of collaboration between device makers and content providers, such as major movie studios, in an attempt to deliver consumers an ``all-in-one’’ gadget.

Under the slogan ``A new dimension of experience,’’ Samsung has been displaying its newest lineup of three-dimensional (3D), light-emitting diode (LED)backlit liquid crystal display (LCD) televisions at the IFA trade show and also a variety of Internet-enabled portable devices that the company is expected to bank its reputation on.

Garnering most attention was ``Galaxy Tab,’’ Samsung’s first tablet-style personal computer and its initial attack at the supremacy of Apple’s iPad. Galaxy Tab runs on the Google-backed Android operating system, powered by a 1 gigahertz processor and features a 7-inch screen.

As with smartphones, the delivery of content is expected to be crucial in the tablet fight, and Samsung officials say that Galaxy Tab users will be pleasantly surprised by the package of applications the device will bring right out of the box.

The company will hold a news conference here Sept. 3, where Shin Jong-kyun, the head of its telecommunications product division, will talk about the company’s detailed plans and sales targets for tablet computers as well as moves to increase its wealth of applications.