Samsung to launch Tizen OS smartphones this year, plans to reduce reliance on Android

New Delhi: Samsung Electronics has confirmed that the company this year will come up with handsets running Tizen OS backed by Intel. According to Bloomberg, Samsung, in an emailed statement said, "We plan to release new, competitive Tizen devices within this year and will keep expanding the lineup depending on market conditions." However, the company has not said anything about the models, specifications, prices and timeframe.

It seems that Samsung is in a mood to cut down its reliance on Google's ANdroid OS after Google acquired handset maker Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc. for $12.5 billion last year. Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper also reported on December 31 that Samsung will launch a Tizen-based smartphone through wireless carrier NTT Docomo later this year.

The open-source Tizen platform supports multiple devices including smartphones, tablets, Internet-enabled TVs, netbooks and in-vehicle infotainment systems.

In 2011, two Linux software groups, one backed by Samsung, and another by Intel, agreed to jointly develop Tizen, a new operating system for cellphones and other devices.

Intel, Samsung, NTT DoCoMo Inc. and Vodafone Group Plc formed the Tizen Association last year to support the open-source software. Samsung Electronics Co in January last year announced its plans to merge its 'bada' mobile software with a platform backed by chipmaker Intel Corp to diversify away from Google's Android.

In 2011, two Linux software groups, one backed by Samsung, and another by Intel, agreed to jointly develop Tizen, a new operating system for cellphones and other devices, by merging their LiMo and Meego platforms in a bid to gain wider industry and consumer support.

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