Samsung is all set to release a firmware update to its original Galaxy Gear smartwatch which will in turn switch the OS from Android to Tizen. This home grown operating system has already been employed by the Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo smartwatches. This move by the South Korean tech giant shows that it wants to migrate from Android for its wearable devices. Also, with this move the firm can concentrate on enhancing the user experience of Android platform for smartphones and tablets.
SamMobile has got hold on an early-build of Tizen firmware for the Galaxy Gear. According to them, the Tizen update brings a bunch of new features and functionality to the smartwatch. While the Android platform helped in extending the health tracking functionality to step counting, the Tizen platform can even suggest sleep patterns using sleep mode and more workouts in real time using exercise mode.
The Tizen OS also includes a standalone music player that lets users to store the tracks directly on the smartwatch and double tap the shortcut to take you to any app. On the whole, the Tizen update to the Galaxy Gear will definitely bring about high customization options including tweakable home screen icon size, font styles and wallpaper.
The update will also add almost all the features of Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo to the Galaxy Gear except WatchOn Remote and Heart Rate Monitor. The user will also be able to use voice commands in camera app, connect Bluetooth headset and set privacy lock with the new update.
It is still not clear on when Samsung will roll out the Tizen update to the Galaxy Gear and we need to wait until there is an official claim on the same. Till then you can have a look at the video preview published by SamMobile below, showing all the Gear smartwatches running on Tizen.
To be updated...