Samsung has committed to releasing a smartphone based on its Tizen platform by the end of the second quarter.
Speaking to Reuters,Yoon Han-kil, SVP of Samsung’s product strategy, said two Tizen-based devices will arrive this year. The first will be a high-end handset and the second will target the middle of the market. It’s unlikely either device will reach the U.S., however. “We had tried to launch (Tizen) with DoCoMo and Orange … but couldn’t because of poor market conditions. We have changed our strategy and will release the phones in a few countries where we can do well,” explained Yoon. The company will target emerging markets where demand for top-notch equipment isn’t as high.
Samsung has delayed plans to release Tizen-based phones several times. Tizen is based on Linux. Samsung is working with Intel on the platform, which the company recently added to its Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo smartwatches.
