A model displays what Samsung claims to be the world's slimmest watch-shaped mobile phone, just 11.98 millimetres (0.48 inchs) thick at a showroom in Seoul. Samsung plans to release the watch-shaped mobile first in France this month and then opening it up to other European markets.

South Korea's Samsung Electronics Wednesday announced what it claims is the world's slimmest "watch phone".

The handset is 11.98 millimetres (0.48 inches) thick compared to the 13.9 millimetres of a model by rival LG Electronics, Samsung said in a statement.

The firm plans to sell the new phone, priced at around 450 euros (639 dollars), first in France this month and then other European markets.

The mobile has a 1.76-inch touch screen on which users can check e-mails and play MP3s as well as make calls, Samsung said. It also has a Bluetooth function and voice recognition.

said its version will go on sale no later than August.

(c) 2009 AFP