Samsung Reportedly to Sell First Tizen Smartphone

The Tizen operating system is a Linux-based OS that extends across multiple platforms including tablets, televisions, and soon to be smartphones.

According to Japan's Daily Ymiuri Samsong Electronics will be the first manufacturer to release a handset with the Tizen operating system in 2013. The Tizen phone is set to release through Japanese carrier NTT Docomo and other partners sometime this year.

About Tizen

The Tizen is an open-source Linux-based operating system. Its components are comprised of the Linux kernel, the Enlightenment Foundation Libraries (EFL), and WebKit runtime. The system emerged from the death of Nokia's MeeGo, as Samsung took over the development of the project along with the Linux Foundation. The new OS is seen basically as a more open version Google's Android, as Tizen will allow developers to make changes to the underlying platform. Tizen is seen as an alternative to the platform to the major Android and iOS operating systems from Google and Apple.

The Tizen operating system is not just confined to smartphones, as Samsung has noted that the new OS is capable of running on tablets, in-vehicle devices, and even televisions.

Samsung has been closely tied to the dominant market share that Android holds, as it has released most of its major handsets to run on Google's operating system. However, the Korean manufacturer has released several handsets on Microsoft's Windows operating system as well. Samsung may be looking at Tizen as another means of hedging its bets.

Unfortunately Samsung has yet to comment on the recent announcement, and there is no word if we can expect the Tizen operating system to make an appearance in the United States.