It may have taken longer than expected but Samsung today unveiled its first smartphone powered by the Tizen operating system. The Samsung Z is the first commercially available smartphone to be powered by the open-source operating system backed by Samsung, Intel and a number of other companies. It promises to be “the perfect choice for consumers who want a differentiated user experience in an efficient and light-weight smartphone.”
“Samsung is committed to enhancing the mobile experience of consumers with innovation that is both personal and unique to their needs,” said DJ Lee, President and Head of Global Sales & Marketing Office, Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “The Samsung Z integrates the power and adaptability of the Tizen platform, enabling users to browse the web faster and utilize applications more effectively.”
Samsung Z specifications:
- Processor: Quad-core (2.3GHz × 4) Qualcomm Snapdragon
- Operating system: Tizen 2.2.1
- Cellular connectivity: LTE Cat 4
- Other connectivity: GPS/GLONASS, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0 LE, NFC
- Display: 4.8-inch HD (720×1280) Super AMOLED
- RAM: 2GB
- Internal storage: 16GB
- External storage: MIcroSD cards up to 64GB
- Rear-facing camera: 8MP
- Front-facing camera: 2.1MP
- Sensors: Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, Hall, RGB ambient light, fingerptint scanner, Heart rate sensor
- Battery: 2,600mAh
- Dimensions: 138.2 × 69.8 × 8.5 millimeters
- Weight: 136 grams
- Colours: Black and Gold
- Other: IR remote
The Samsung Z also comes with a number of features we’ve seen on other Samsung smartphones. Among these are Ultra Power Saving Mode, Download Booster and S Health 3.0. Anyone moving from another Samsung device may find at least a degree of familiarity with these apps and features.
It remains to be seen whether Samsung’s latest attempt to distance itself from Android and to a lesser degree Windows Phone will work. Samsung will need to create a compelling ecosystem of apps around this and other Tizen smartphones to sway consumers away from their current devices. As with other mobile operating systems, Tizen will offer a Tizen Store to allow users to download new apps.
Samsung will launch the Samsung Z in Q3 in Russia. It plans to expand availability later but has not provided specific details.
Source : Samsung Tomorrow