Samsung is sunsetting Tizen for smartwatches
What is the significance of Samsung partnering with Google for the Galaxy Watch 4's operating system, and how does it differ from standard Wear OS?
The partnership between Samsung and Google for the Galaxy Watch 4's operating system is significant because it combines the strengths of both companies to create a more efficient and user-friendly experience. The new operating system, called Wear OS Powered by Samsung, is a hybrid of Google's Wear OS and Samsung's Tizen OS.
This collaboration has led to several improvements over standard Wear OS, such as a 2.5 times shorter setup experience, up to 40 hours of battery life, and 30% faster app launch times. Additionally, the Galaxy Watch 4 has access to a vast ecosystem of apps and services, including popular Google apps like Google Maps, Messages, and Google Pay, as well as Samsung services like Samsung Pay, SmartThings, and Bixby.
The partnership also benefits developers, as having fewer different smartwatch operating systems to target could result in better app support from third-party developers. Overall, the collaboration between Samsung and Google aims to provide users with the best features of both Wear OS and Tizen, creating a more unified and seamless user experience.
Why did Samsung decide to switch from Tizen OS to Wear OS for its flagship wearable devices?
Samsung decided to switch from Tizen OS to Wear OS for its flagship wearable devices for a few reasons. One of the main reasons was the need for a more comprehensive app ecosystem. Tizen OS, which is Samsung's own operating system, struggled in this area, with a lack of quality third-party apps available for its smartwatches. In comparison, Wear OS, which is developed by Google, has a more robust app ecosystem.
Another reason is that Samsung has been using Tizen in its watches since 2013, and while the company has learned a lot during this time, it would be beneficial for them to bring this knowledge to Google's platform. This could potentially lead to improvements in battery life and the introduction of unique hardware features like a rotatable bezel.
Additionally, Samsung's partnership with Google on Wear OS could lead to more significant innovation in the smartwatch market. Google has been continuously working on improving its wearable platform, and by collaborating with Samsung, they could potentially create a more powerful and feature-rich operating system for smartwatches.
However, it's essential to note that this move may also have its drawbacks. For instance, Samsung would lose some control over its smartwatch OS, as it would now be relying on Google's software. This could potentially limit the company's ability to innovate and differentiate its products from other Wear OS-based smartwatches in the market.
What are the implications of Samsung's decision to sunset Tizen OS by the end of 2025?
Samsung's decision to sunset Tizen OS by the end of 2025 has several implications for users of Tizen-powered smartwatches. The company has outlined a timeline for phasing out support for Tizen on its Galaxy Store, which includes stopping the sale of paid Tizen watch content on September 30, 2024, ending new downloads of free Tizen watch content on May 31, 2025, and disabling re-downloads from the "My Apps" section on September 30, 2025.
This means that users of Tizen-powered smartwatches, such as the Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Watch 3, Galaxy Watch Active, and Galaxy Watch Active 2, will lose access to new apps, watch faces, and other content2. While existing downloads will remain on devices, users will no longer be able to download any new content, including free and paid apps and watch faces, after the respective deadlines.
Additionally, Samsung has indicated that "core services" for Tizen watches will be discontinued after May 2025, although the Galaxy Store itself will remain operational. This termination schedule applies to all Samsung Gear smartwatches and Galaxy-branded Tizen watches.
While this news may be disappointing for owners of older Galaxy Watches, it is important to note that the core functionality of these devices will continue for at least another year, with access to the Galaxy Store persisting even longer. The last Tizen-powered smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch 3, was released in 2020, so many users may already be considering an upgrade.
Furthermore, this phase-out does not affect Wear OS-based Samsung smartwatches released since the Galaxy Watch 4, as those devices will continue to receive updates and enjoy full access to the Galaxy Store. As Samsung shifts its focus entirely to Wear OS, we can anticipate significant advancements in the future of their smartwatch lineup.