Samsung Electronics aims to increase its market share in the Gulf region from the current 20 per cent to 30 per cent next year with the launch of a new range of phones, said its top official.

"With the use of smartphones set to increase to at least 80 per cent by the second quarter of next year, we are hoping to tap into this," remarked Samsung Gulf Electronics telecommunications group general manager Ashraf Fawakherji.

He was speaking on the sidelines of an event in Dubai to mark the commercial availability of the Galaxy Note in the Mena region.

"We have launched the device in Bahrain and have deals with operators for our customers. A 16GB Galaxy Note is priced BD299 ($793) in Bahrain," said Fawakherji.

"It offers the best mobility solution to customers. It is in-between a tablet and a smartphone with the latest technology, add-ons and features. It offers a two-touch technology - finger and stylus which is multi-functional," he added.

"Each component is top of its technology, which has been the philosophy of Samsung," said Fawakherji.

"It is not too big to carry and comes with its own case which makes it easy for the customer," he noted.

"Samsung is very proud to be bringing revolutionary Samsung Galaxy Note to consumers in the Mena region,"

Speaaking at the event, Samsung Mena president Kyungtae Bae said, "With this product, Samsung will not only create a new category in the mobile industry but will also lead efforts to continuously fulfil needs of consumers."

"By combining the core benefits of a smartphone and a tablet in a device that can fit the palm of your hand, we are confident that the Samsung Galaxy Note will add value to our consumers' lives, allowing them to enjoy and fully take advantage of the device's many innovative features - simply users can do more on the go," he added.

The Galaxy Note features the world's first and largest 5.3-inch HD Super Amoled display.

Taking full advantage of the large display, Galaxy Note users will be able to multi-task, create and consume more, with fewer interruptions, while on the go, said Bae.

The incorporated digital S Pen can be used for accurate sketching and artwork.

Superior handwriting recognition allows ideas to be freely captured and shared with other devices without the need to perform any additional digitisation.

Handwritten text is accurately converted into digital characters.

Together with commercial availability of Galaxy Note, Samsung also announced the launch of 'S Choice', a new category menu under the Samsung Apps, with applications especially designed for Galaxy Note's S Pen feature.

New applications offering will include Soonr Workplace, OmniSketch, Zen Brush, ComicBook!, and iAnnotate PDF, he added.-TradeArabia News Service