Samsung has used its platform at this year's Mobile World Congress (MWC) to unveil two high-end tablets, stepping up competition with Apple's iPad Air and iPad Pro.
The Korean giant also unveiled an updated VR headset and provided a fleeting glimpse of its upcoming flagship Galaxy S8 smartphone, rounding off a busy day of product launches ahead of MWC’s formal opening on Monday.
Samsung announced the launch of the Galaxy Book, a two-in-one Windows tablet available in both 10 and 12-inch models, designed to compete with the likes of the Microsoft Surface and Apple iPad Pro.
The company also announced its latest high-end consumer tablet, the Galaxy Tab S3, sporting improved audio capabilities, a premium design overhaul and an upgraded Super Amoled HDR ready display.
In addition to an updated Gear VR headset with a new motion controller accessory, Samsung confirmed it would launch its new flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S8, at an event in New York on March 29th.
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Mobile World Congress coverage
■ Review: Well-loved Nokia 3310 phone returns as a modern classic
■ Sony launches Xperia XZ Premium – the world's first smartphone with 4K HDR screen
■ In pictures: The Mobile World Congress in Barcelona
■ Nokia 3310: Say hello (again) to the phone with the everlasting battery
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Samsung last month confirmed it was delaying the unveiling of the S8, following the high-profile battery problems of its Note 7 smartphone last year.
Samsung’s announcement rounded off a busy day of high-profile smartphone launches in Barcelona ahead of the start of the MWC conference and exhibition on Monday morning.
LG got the ball rolling with the launch of its new G6 flagship smartphone, ditching the modular approach of its predecessor in favour of a longer display, wireless charging and waterproofing.
Huawei unveiled the P10 and P10 Plus, two new high-end smartphones with upgraded camera systems and a new colour range, together with its new Huawei Watch 2 smartwatch range.
Fellow Chinese giant Lenovo announced its new Moto G5 and G5 Plus mid-range handsets, together with a new range of add ons for its modular Moto Z range, including a wireless charging unit and game controller.
Finnish mobile manufacturer HMD Global meanwhile confirmed the long-rumoured return of the re-designed Nokia 3310, offering 22 hours of talk time and up to a month’s standby time, as well as classic mobile game Snake.
HMD also announced the global launch of its Nokia 6 Android smartphone, previously only available to Chinese customers, and also unveiled two new Android devices, the Nokia 3 and Nokia 5.
jeverington@thenational.ae
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