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Samsung brings Tizen to Galaxy Gear [ITWeb]
[August 20, 2014]

Samsung brings Tizen to Galaxy Gear [ITWeb]


(ITWeb Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) The new Tizen OS replacement enhances the Galaxy Gear user experience with a new interface, says Samsung.

Samsung Electronics has unveiled a new Tizen operating system (OS) replacement for its first-generation Galaxy Gear devices.

The electronics company says this change enhances the user experience with a new interface, enlarged app ecosystem and additional features, such as fitness tracking and a standalone music player.

Tizen is an open source OS based on the Linux kernel and the GNU C Library implementing the Linux API.

Samsung's original Galaxy Gear was one of the first in an initial wave of Android smartwatches. It ran Android at a time where a smartwatch was not a form factor that Google had anticipated for its OS. Because of issues with software support and battery life, Samsung began releasing smartwatches that ran on the Tizen OS.



"Samsung is committed to achieving continuity among current Gear devices by providing more benefits to the end-user," says Craige Fleischer, director of mobile communications at Samsung Electronics SA. "This OS replacement for the Gear 1 offers a richer user experience with improvements that allow for greater flexibility, to complement the consumer's lifestyle." Samsung's long-term investment in Tizen and the Tizen developer community also means ongoing enhancements and improvements to these devices in the future, the company says.

According to Samsung, the new Tizen OS extends the Galaxy Gear 1's ecosystem by making a larger number of applications available as a result of more diverse partnerships. Upon updating their devices, consumers will have access to more than 150 apps for greater versatility and functionality. The OS replacement improves the Gear device user experience, featuring a new interface and increased customisation of font, home screen icons and wallpaper.


The Tizen OS replacement brings extra music and fitness features to the Galaxy Gear, says Samsung, adding that the device running Tizen OS is able to act as a standalone music player with support for headsets, independent of a mobile phone.

The device is also equipped with Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) functionality, allowing for music file saving. Additionally, the Gear's fitness and health functionality will be enhanced by allowing the device to track workouts in real-time, including walking, running, cycling and hiking, as well as monitor sleep data such as total sleep time and motionless sleep time.

"At Samsung, we remain dedicated to offer mobile solutions that make everyday life easier and more convenient. The availability of the Tizen OS demonstrates this commitment to further enhance our products to offer our consumers the most effortless user experiences that enrich their lives," concludes Fleischer.

(c) 2014 ITWeb Limited. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

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