If you’re a tech fan, or have bought a Samsung device in the past few years, you may well be familiar with the term Tizen. But what is it and how is it different from other operating systems?
In this guide we detail everything you need to know about Tizen, including its uses, features, and history.
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What is Tizen?
Tizen is an operating system designed by the Linux Foundation with the support of companies such as Samsung and Intel. The OS targets smartphones, tablets and smart TVs. It allows manufacturers to create apps that work on different devices.
Tizen History
The first version of Tizen was released in 2013. The OS was initially developed by a company called the Tizen Association and was intended to help reduce the cost of manufacturing an Android mobile device. The Linux Foundation took over the project in 2015 and released version 1.0 in 2017.
Who owns Tizen?
Samsung is a third owner of the Tizen Association, the company that makes the OS. Samsung invested $17 million in the company and licensed the OS for use in its devices and services.
In addition, Intel owns a third of the Linux Foundation, the company that officially supports Tizen. Intel also invested $17 million in the Linux Foundation. Other companies that are partners in Tizen include Alibaba, ASUS, HTC, Huawei, Panasonic and other large electronics companies.
What devices run Tizen?
Since Tizen only runs on specific devices, the list of devices running the OS is also limited. Most smartphones run on iOS or Android, not Tizen. However, other popular smart devices, such as TVs, smart speakers, and other devices with built-in screens, can run the OS. The Galaxy Watch 3 was the last Tizen device we reviewed outside of Samsung TVs.
Where to download Tizen?
You can download Tizen from the official website. You will need to register to download the OS, but once you do, you can download it to your computer and then transfer it to your phone. You can also connect your computer to your phone with a cable to download the OS.
Tizen OS Limitations
Tizen has several limitations that make it less attractive to use than other operating systems. These include the fact that it only runs on specific devices, limited third-party app support, and the fact that it is not open source. Tizen only runs on specific devices.
This includes phones that run on Samsung Exynos CPUs, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon CPUs or MediaTek chips. It doesn’t currently run on Apple’s iPhone, which is the most popular phone in the world.
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