The IFA 2012 trade show in Berlin this week witnessed Samsung unveiling a number of new devices, including a Windows 8-based smartphone, two slate-style tablets, and Galaxy Note II.

The biggest of the announcements was Samsung's unveiling of a Windows 8 smartphone, dubbed the ATIV S. The announcement made Samsung the first handset manufacturer - even ahead of Microsoft's partner Nokia - to introduce a smartphone running Microsoft's forthcoming Windows 8 version.

The key features of Samsung's ATIV S smartphone - which, as per Microsoft, is "equal parts powerhouse and head turner" - include a 4.8-inch HD Super AMOLED screen; a 1.5GHz dual-core processor; 1GB of RAM; an
8-megapixel and 1.9-megapixel rear and front camera respectively; 16GB or 32GB storage option; and 2,300mAh battery.

Another important device which Samsung unveiled was the Galaxy Note II phablet, which boasts a bigger 5.5-inch screen than the original Note. Equipped with a quad-core processor, the updated Note has a markedly better stylus function; and runs the latest Android OS version, `Jelly Bean.'

Meanwhile, the two tablet-like Slates unveiled by Samsung include Windows 8-based Series 5 and Series 7 Slates, which are equipped with the company's S Pen stylus, and feature 11.6-inch displays with 1366x768 and
1920x1080 resolutions respectively; as well as keyboard docks which can be attached with the help of a "mechanical hinge."

About the two tablet-style Slates, Samsung's VP Marketing Todd Bouman said that the devices underscore the company's focus on "beautiful design, powerful performance and ease of use."