Tizen has had a traumatic start to life. The software has been endlessly delayed, and not even the announcement of the Samsung Z, the first phone to use the OS, could save it from further problems. Initially planned for release in Russia sometime before September, the phone was then put on hold before being canceled completely.
Following the setback, Samsung reportedly changed tactics with Tizen, deciding it stood a better chance on low-cost, mid-range devices instead of more expensive hardware such as the Z. Although never confirmed by Samsung, this does fit in with talk of a wide launch in India, where smartphones are growing at a fast rate, and budget hardware is in high demand.
Tizen’s Indian debut could turn out to be timely, and a direct response to the launch of Android One, a range of Google-backed, low-cost, frequently updated smartphones. Three Android One devices went on sale this month, all costing the equivalent of around $105 each without a contract, and boasting an identical spec sheet. The phones were built by local manufacturers, but Google also announced a slew of new Android One hardware partners, from which Samsung was notably missing.
Samsung obviously doesn’t want to leave the increasingly important Indian market solely to Android, so releasing a Tizen-based, Samsung-badged competitor there does make sense. The company’s representative did stress that the Tizen phone would be sold alongside Samsung’s usual Android offerings though.
Sadly, there’s no details on the mystery phone’s specification or eventual price tag, but if the November release date is correct, then we may not have long to wait until Samsung provides some official news. Let’s hope the phone makes it into stores this time.
