Samsung sends Apple a curved Note

A WEEK ahead of Apple's much-anticipated "exclusive event" on Sept 9, its Korean rival Samsung threw down the gauntlet on Wednesday by unveiling two versions of its latest-generation phablet, the 5.7-inch Galaxy Note 4. In its invitation card, Apple doesn't mention iPhone and in fact says: "Wish we could say more."

But everybody knows the highlight of the event will be the launch of the Cupertino, California-based company's latest-generation phone, the iPhone 6 - which, sources say, will come in two sizes: a 4.7 inch one, and a 5.5 inch phablet.

Since 2011, Samsung has been following a clear strategy on device announcements. With Apple using the August-October period to announce its latest-generation phones, the Korean device maker has been making sure its Note range of products are unveiled just ahead of Apple's announcements.