Samsung Electronics is delaying the launch of a Tizen mobile OS powered smartphone. The company needs more time developing the mobile platform set to compete with iOS and Android and to "further enhance the Tizen ecosystem" according to Samsung in a statement.
Samsung has long been using Android as its default platform on mobile devices but the company is working on its very own OS the past years. The company plans to build a new ecosystem of Tizen-enabled devices-from smartwatches to tablets, TV's and home appliances, even door locks. This could be interesting as the trend now is to make all things "smart."
Samsung first used Tizen on smartwatches and a few cameras. The Tizen-powered gadgets were accompanied by smartphones and televisions to fully demonstrate the many features and possibilities of the platform.
The Tizen-powered smartphone is expected to roll out this third quarter but Samsung isn't ready yet to fully launch the device. No mention when is the next launch date but it should be out before the year ends.
Samsung simply wants to enhance the Tizen development so it will be ready to kickstart a new tech ecosystem. It might take a little while so Samsung cutting reliance from Google's Android platform could wait.
Samsung currently has a small roster of app developers but the arrival of Tizen is expected to add to the number. It may not beat Google or Apple level yet but at least more would be added.
The first smartphone to run Tizen is the Samsung Z, which was introduced last month at a conference. The device boasts of a 4.8-inch high definition display screen, angular design, and a fingerprint sensor for security. It was only a prototype but it received good reviews already. The Samsung Z is believed to offer fast loading of applications and Internet surfing.
This isn't the first time Samsung is delaying a Tizen-related launch. Earlier this year in Japan, NTT DoCoMo, the largest mobile carrier in Japan, put off sale of Tizen handsets for unknown reasons.
Samsung needs to work on a Tizen phone because this will attract more potential users. Unlike the Tizen smartwatch and Tizen camera, a Tizen mobile device will easily demonstrate what the new platform can do.
