Samsung may finally be about to make good on its intentions to launch Tizen-powered smartphones. After announcing that they would launch in 2013, the company repeatedly delayed the launch. It eventually gave up on a 2013 release, acknowledging that more time was needed to ensure that the OS was as polished as possible and that a range of apps was available at launch time. Signs that Samsung would make an announcement at MWC 2014 emerged late last year when the company reportedly sent out press invitations to an event set to take place the day before the trade show kicks off. Japan’s Mainichi news site now reports that devices could hit the street as early as March.
Citing unnamed sources, the publication indicates that an announcement will indeed take place at MWC 2014. Not only will smartphones be unveiled but details will also be provided about release dates and the launch of Tizen app “stores.” Japan’s NTT Docomo, a member of the Tizen Association, may have its first Tizen smartphones out by the end of the year as it wants to make additional enhancements to its devices before launching them.
The suggestion that a number of Tizen app stores will launch suggests that both carriers and manufacturers plan to offer their own branded stores alongside devices. Such a move would likely open up new revenue streams for them but potentially limit choices and create confusion for customers. Could we see a scenario where some apps are available on certain brands’ stores but not others?
Samsung and its Tizen partners are hoping that they will be able to establish Tizen as a credible third alternative against Google Android and Apple iOS. Perhaps we will finally find out at MWC 2014 how this could happen, especially as Windows Phone is beginning to show signs that it could become that third choice.