Samsung’s Updated Smartwatch Snubs the Android OS

Samsung’s Updated Smartwatch Snubs the Android OS

Mobile technology is growing rapidly and the competition is fierce among the giants. Not so long ago, Google’s Android created waves in mobile platforms; more so by making device manufacturers directly dependent on them. Smartwatches came after this to enhance the overall experience and convenience, which also ran on Android. But, going by the market insight it is evident that most companies were dedicating their efforts towards developing their own software, in order to avoid dependability on Android.

Reports

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Technology giant Samsung is following suit by discarding Google’s Android operating system in their latest update of smartwatch. Reportedly, their latest version of Gear smartwatch will run Tizen and not on Android. This is also a significant aspect of Samsung’s growth; trying to play solo by developing their own software and services. The updated Gear is scheduled to unveil at the Mobile World Congress later this month. It will run on a new HTML5 version of Tizen operating system. Things aren’t very clear as Samsung has chosen to refrain from commenting about this development to the public.

Tizen, on the other hand, is another open source project focused on developing software for mobile platforms and was launched last year. Though it had a rough start with members opting out, on February 12 it announced 15 new partners which include giants like Sprint, SoftBank and Baidu. The organization is stable as of now and is constantly supported by Samsung. The introductory version of Gear smartwatch was launched last year and it used Android operating system. Samsung has reemphasized the instigation of Tizen by releasing their newer version of Gear smartwatch with it.

Scenario Analysis

It is apparent that Samsung is trying to circumvent Google services, mainly because Google is dominant in internet services as well mobile software. Any and every device other than Apple and Windows that comes to the market typically runs on Android. This essentially boosts the Google services like Search, Maps, and Emails etc. which in turn generates a whooping amount as revenue through advertisements. The device manufacturers are left with a lesser profit comparatively and they lose out on the remuneration form software services.

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Samsung is looking at fortifying its long time goals by building Tizen and its market. It is indeed an intelligent move as it will help the company to generate revenue from its own software and services. And since Samsung has noticeably better market share they can definitely release more Tizen devices to capitalize on the market as such.

Verdict

According to sources, Tizen will feature a latest version of the language, HTML5, which has wider spectrum of application in websites and web-based application. This is both risky & advantageous – Samsung can hire more web designers to develop apps for this platform but it has been reported in the past that HTML5 apps have failed to perform flawlessly when compared to iOS or Android apps. However, Samsung is constantly trying to stabilize the uncertainties involved in the whole process because the potential of this opportunity is huge.

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