Tizen Mobile Operating System: Should Apple and Google Worry About Tizen?

Tizen Mobile Operating System: There is no denying the fact that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) are big-time players in the smartphone space. While these companies may not have sole control of the market, they continue to attract new customers while releasing updated devices and features.

Have you heard about the newcomer to the industry, Tizen? If you want to learn more about this “open source, standards-based software platform for multiple device categories, including smartphones, tablets, TVs, netbooks and automotive infotainment platforms” (description from the company’s website) visit their website here.

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According to a recent article published on MarketWatch, this “Linux-based operating system is gaining steam faster than expected, with Samsung confirming that it will launch a number of Tizen-based devices this year.”

With Samsung on board, this is all the confirmation the industry should need regarding its potential to take market share away from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Google Inc (GOOG).

According to the same MarketWatch piece, Google and its Android platform currently holds roughly 70 percent of the smartphone market with Apple’s iOS trailing far behind at 14 percent.

The article goes on to discuss how Google may not take as big a hit as Apple should the Tizen platform takeoff:

“Google generates only a small percentage of its revenue from Android, so Tizen is not likely to have much impact on the company’s stock. However, Apple could get hurt. A market-share loss of even 2%-3% will hurt Apple shares; moreover, if Tizen takes off, it will add to the negative perceptions about future growth prospects. Microsoft, Nokia and Research In Motion are other companies that could be adversely affected.”

Of course, it is difficult to speculate if the open-source operating system will pose any real threat to Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Google Inc (GOOG).

For more information on what the operating system will bring to the table, take a closer look at the following excerpt from the MarketWatch article:

“Tizen is an open-source operating system offering a uniform user experience across a variety of devices, including tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, and in-vehicle entertainment. The company itself has a long history behind it. Samsung’s collaboration with the Enlightenment Foundation Libraries (EFL) for years was known as LiMo, or the Linux platform for mobile. LiMo’s name was then changed to Tizen in 2011 when Intel joined the project, with Sprint also agreeing to become part of the association. Shortly thereafter, an alpha code called Magnolia was released, with Tizen 2.0 expected to be released this month.”

“One of the chief advantages of the operating system is that it gives phone carriers the ability to offer their own services in a manner that is far easier and, ultimately, more lucrative than Android, which currently makes it difficult for carriers such as AT&T to do the same. As a result, it is no wonder that major carriers across the world are jumping on board. NTT Docomo, the biggest wireless carrier in Japan, Vodafone in the UK and France Telecom will all apparently support Tizen.”

Do you agree or disagree with this information? Do you feel that Tizen will have a negative impact on smartphones from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Google Inc (GOOG)?

Check back here for more updates on Tizen Mobile Operating System.

DISCLOSURE: I have no positions in any stock mentioned.

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