Tizen (SAMSUNG) vs Android (GOOGLE)

Samsung’s in-house operating system Tizen is here and it doesn't look like they’re backing away from pushing it onto the market. With Samsung’s release of their own operating system, does Tizen stand a chance on competing independently against Google’s Android?

Consumers buy a smartphone that has a good design, nice features, or that is affordable. What type of operating system is behind this smartphone, most people who are looking for a new or first time smartphone either care very little about or know nothing at all. This could lead to a big problem for Google, especially in developing markets where there is no current brand or operating system loyalty.

It’s hard not to realize Google’s influence on the PC and mobile market. We browse videos on YouTube, we surf the web via Google Chrome, we use Google Maps to find driving directions, and we use the Google Play Store to download apps on our mobile devices. When thinking of operating system for mobile devices what comes to mind? The most usual partners in mind are Google Android and Apple’s iOS and this could lead to a big problem for Samsung and Tizen.

So how can TIZEN get ahead?

Tizen must not bring anything new or exciting to the table, but merely reproduce the status quo of Android. This is both easy and difficult for Samsung to accomplish. From the perspective of designing the base and UI behind the operating system, this isn’t too much of a challenge and Tizen has shown that in its release. Tizen needs to offer or provide alternatives for all the Google services that have become an integrated part of Android. Otherwise, they will have a barrier that will inhibit consumers from adapting to this latest operating system.

Tizen’s main feature is its compatibility with multiple mobile platforms; which means that applications made with the Tizen OS is still compatible and may be launched in other OS like the IOS and Android, with a little code change. This feature of the Tizen OS is very attractive to developers because their application will not only be used by the Tizen market but with the IOS and Android as well. Unlike the android and IOS applications which will only run under those operating systems.  This is also the reason why the Tizen OS developers were very confident that before the launching of the first Samsung Mobile Phone running under Tizen OS, millions of applications will already be available in the market. The confidence of the company is because they know that developers will be attracted with the flexibility of Tizen OS.

All things aside, Samsung has the power and the distribution model to pull this off this if they perform it right. If Tizen is handled properly, Samsung could see themselves move away from having to rely on Android for their smartphones. On the flip side, if Google and its software can establish itself as being indispensable towards the mobile community (if it hasn’t already done so), Samsung will continue to be chained to Android.

And so we ask you: what do you think will happen with TIZEN?