Samsung apologises to cancer victims as it gears up its Google Glass rival

Samsung Electronics has issued an apology to former employees stricken by leukaemia and other forms of cancer, as the company reportedly prepares a Google Glass competitor.

According to a Korean Times report, Samsung Electronics vice chairman Oh-hyun Kwon issued a statement to apologising for former employees of its chip production plants who have been diagnosed with, or died from, cancer.

In December 2012, a South Korean court found the company responsible for the death of a former employee – identified as “Kim” – who worked at one of its plants between 1995 and 2000.

The woman died following a three-year battle with breast cancer, with the court finding a causal connection between her exposure to organic solvents and radiation at the factory and her illness, with the company coming under increasing scrutiny as a result.

The tech giant says it will drop all outstanding lawsuits against the families of victims and will organise a compensation fund, with the apology coming as Samsung Group chairman reportedly remains under sedation following a heart attack.

The news overshadowed reports in Business Korea suggesting the tech giant is currently working on a competitor to Google Glass – dubbed “Gear Glass” – which is set to run the company’s Tizen operating system.

The company is reportedly planning to unveil the new device during a keynote speech during the IFA trade show in Berlin, which will run from September 5 to 10.