Samsung has dropped the Android OS in their new Gear 2 smartwatch in favour of the Samsung developed Tizen OS.
The watch that was launched at Barcelona’s annual Mobile World Congress represents a major move by the Korean Company who in the past has relied on Google’s Android operating system to power its smartphones, tablets and previous smart watch.
Samsung said its new smart watch will come in two models, including a lower-priced version with no camera function. In a statement, J.K. Shin, the head of Samsung’s mobile communications business, said that the device was part of the company’s efforts to “lead innovation in the wearable market”.
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The Wall Street Journal said that Samsung’s decision to build the new release on Tizen, an operating system it is developing with Intel and a handful of telecommunications companies underscores its commitment to the new operating system, even as it continues to cooperate with Google in the development of the Android OS.
Tizen has only appeared commercially on some of Samsung’s cameras. Samsung and its Tizen partners are slated to make a set of announcements later today in Europe.
In the past Samsung has struggled with a series of setbacks with Tizen, including several delays of product launches due to software issues.
Samsung, in a statement, said the company “has a commitment to support multiple platforms to offer consumers more choices and we will continue to collaborate closely with Google.” Google didn’t reply to requests for comment.
The Korean Company said that the second generation of its smartwatch would help it better “reflect modern trends,” moving the camera – previously embedded in the watch strap – onto the main body of the wristwatch.
The watch will feature a slightly faster processor and a more powerful battery that Samsung says will allow for two to three days of typical usage.
