Does Samsung want to cut ties with Android? Firm creates world's first smartphone to run Tizen operating system

Samsung is distancing itself further from Google's Android platform with the launch of the world's first Tizen smartphone.

Earlier this year, its Samsung Gear 2 became the first smartwatch to run the Linux-based software, and now it has unveiled the Samsung Z -  a 4.8-inch device that will directly compete with Google's range.

It will go on sale in Russia from July this year, before being launched in other markets - although Samsung did not confirm which countries were set to get the device, or how much it will cost.

Samsung has unveiled its first phone to run the Tizen operating system, called the Samsung Z (pictured). It will launch in Russia from July this year, and boasts, among other features, a fingerprint and heart rate sensor. Tizen is seen as a direct competitor to Google's Android platform

The new smartphone will be unveiled Tuesday at the Tizen Developer Conference in San Francisco.

Most of Samsung's devices, including its flagship Galaxy S smartphones, currently use a skinned version of the Android operating system.

This means the software runs on Android, but Samsung adds its own design, menus and tools for use on its own devices.

SAMSUNG Z SPECIFICATIONS

Display

4.8” HD Super AMOLED (1280 x 720)

Processor

2.3GHz Quad core application processor

Operating System

Tizen 2.2.1

Memory

RAM: 2GB

Internal Memory: 16GB, microSD slot up to 64GB

Dimensions

5.4 x 2.7 x 0.3 inches (138.2 x 69.8 x 8.5 millimetres)

Weight

136 grams (0.3 pounds)

Battery

2600mAh

Camera

8 megapixel (rear), 2.1 megapixel (front)

Camera Features

Mini mode
Quick Shot
Best Photo
Drama
Panorama
Dual Camera

Other features

Ultra Power Saving Mode

Download Booster

S Health 3.0

Colour theme customisation

Fingerprint sensor

Fingerprint scanner
Heart rate sensor

The electronics giant has tried for years to strengthen its mobile software business as a genuine complement to its mighty device-making operations.

 

Its first homegrown operating system - the 2009 software named Bada  - largely flopped following a lukewarm response from app developers.

Samsung worked with Intel, and other tech firms to develop the Linux-based Tizen platform, which is open-source - meaning hardware manufacturers that use it can freely tinker with the interface.

Tizen is the platform for Samsung's Gear 2 smartwatch launched in February, but the Samsung Z will be the first phone to use the operating system.

It can run Android apps when used with certain software elements, but Samsung is hoping developers will create native Tizen apps, too.

'The Samsung Z integrates the power and adaptability of the Tizen platform, enabling users to browse the web faster and utilize applications more effectively,' D.J. Lee, Samsung's head of global sales and marketing said in a statement.

Samsung made more than 30 per cent of all smartphones sold in the world last year, nearly twice the share of its archrival Apple.

The move to Tizen is seen as being an attempt to unify an operating system across Samsung's devices.

With Tizen already used on its smartwatches, its understood the company was keen to get phones running it as well.

The operating system is also thought to provide better support for the HTML5 web language, which is increasingly becoming more popular among developers building websites.

'The Tizen platform delivers a fast, optimal performance with improved memory management,' Samsung wrote on its blog.

'The Tizen-based Samsung Z offers a faster startup time and immediate multi-tasking capabilities.

'The Samsung Z fully supports superb 2D and 3D graphic qualities, smoother scrolling and an improved rendering performance for web browsing.

'Users will also be able to enjoy safe and secure privacy protection using the built-in fingerprint sensor.'

And the company added an Ultra Power Saving Mode keeps the phone operational even when battery levels are at a minimum.

Other features, including the heart rate sensor found on the back of the phone, have been tried and tested on previous phones such as the Samsung Galaxy S4.

Meanwhile, in an attempt to get developers on board with Tizen, Samsung said it will have a special promotional programme for one year for developers on its own native app store.

Samsung already uses the Tizen operating system on its Gear 2 smartwatch (pictured). The release of a phone running Tizen is seen as an attempt to unify the operating system between its various devices. Tizen also runs using HTML5, the popular web language of choice over Java and Flash

The vast majority of Samsung's current smartphones, including the Samsung Galaxy S3 (pictured), run Google's Android Platform. Tizen will be Samsung's first attempt at irunning a unique operating since Bada, which launched in 2009 but flopped after receiving a lukewarm response from developer