Earlier this year, Samsung confirmed that they were working on a smartwatch device. Last month they trademarked something called ‘Samsung GEAR.’ Now we have confirmation from Samsung Mobile executive Lee Young-hee that the company will be unveiling the device at an event as early as next week. This puts them way ahead of their rival Apple, who is also widely rumored to be working on a smartwatch of their own.

Lee told the Korea Times in an interview that the smartwatch will be called the Galaxy Gear, will run Android and have a “non-flexible” display. The fact that it won’t be flexible is notable since Samsung has been on the front lines pushing flexible displays, which means that the tech might not be ready yet. Interestingly, she also called it a “wearable concept device,” possibly implying that the watch isn’t meant for the mainstream market, at least not yet.

The annual IFA conference in Berlin takes place next week from September 6-11. Samsung’s event is scheduled for the 4th, where they are also expected to announce the Galaxy Note III.

[via The Verge, image via conxa.roda]