There were four new smartphone operating systems expected to launch this year, and out of them all, one would have expected the Samsung and Intel backed Tizen to be leading the charge against Android and iOS. Instead, it’s the other way around and Tizen is nowhere to be seen, while hardware running Firefox OS and Sailfish OS is already on sale.
So where is the first Tizen phone? Last we heard, the debut device’s launch had been pushed back to a 2014, although no firm date or official confirmation has ever been provided. Now, word has spread Samsung and Intel have started inviting Tizen backers to an event in Barcelona, which will be held the day before Mobile World Congress opens its doors at the end of February.
According to ITNews.com, the invitation promises attendees will get a, “Sneak preview of the newest Tizen devices, as well as an opportunity to learn about the major milestones that the Tizen project has hit since last year.” So, while a demonstration of Tizen will take place, there’s no evidence an official launch will come soon afterwards. Worse still, it’s not even clear the phone will be a final, production-ready device.
Of course, there’s a chance this is a prelude to a major Tizen push during MWC, and both Samsung and Intel will silence those of us questioning whether the OS still stands a chance. However, the world’s tech fans – and the tech press – are far more interested in the Galaxy S5, the Galaxy F, and Samsung’s plans to introduce a smartphone with a 1440p screen to pay much attention to the endlessly delayed OS.
One thing seems certain, if Samsung and Intel are previewing Tizen at Mobile World Congress, any hope of it appearing at CES the month before has almost completely disappeared. Sadly, Tizen is still no closer to breaking Android’s stranglehold than it was this time last year.
