Samsung is making headlines with its recent announcement that it will be ending support for its old smartwatches running on the Tizen operating system. This decision is significant as it affects all Galaxy Watch models launched before the Galaxy Watch 4, including the original Galaxy Watch, the Watch Active Duo, and the old Gear series. It is worth noting that this only affects the older models, as the Galaxy Watch 4 was the first Samsung device to adopt Google’s WatchOS as the main platform.
However, this discontinuation of Tizen support will not happen all at once but in stages. The first wave will begin this year on September 30, 2024, when the Galaxy Store will stop selling paid Tizen Watch content, such as applications and watch faces. Subsequently, on May 31, 2025, Samsung will no longer allow new downloads of free content for these devices. By June 2025, the third-party services for Tizen hardware will be terminated everywhere except the Galaxy Store. Users will still be able to install software from Samsung’s platform, albeit for a limited time. Finally, on September 30, 2025, downloads for purchased items will no longer be available, officially marking the end of Tizen Watch support.
While these changes may cause concern among users, it is important to note that Tizen wearables will still be usable after September 30, 2025. However, their functionality will be limited, making them less of a fully functioning smartwatch. Additionally, the discontinuation of security updates may leave users vulnerable to malware and other security risks.
Samsung’s decision to end Tizen support seems to be part of an effort to encourage users to upgrade to newer WearOS models. This is not surprising considering the imminent release of the Galaxy Watch 7, which is speculated to be coming out in August. However, it is worth mentioning that these contemporary Galaxy Watches can be quite costly, with the Watch 6 typically retailing for $380 on Amazon, although discounts may be available.
Interestingly, Samsung is currently running a special trade-in promotion for old Tizen models. At the time of writing, customers can trade in their original Galaxy Watch and receive up to $100 in credit towards a new Watch 6. However, it is important to note that the condition of the wearable will affect the trade-in value. The better condition the device is in, the higher the credit received, while a more damaged device will result in a lower trade-in value.
This move by Samsung raises questions about the future of Tizen and its role in the smartwatch market. Tizen was initially developed by Samsung as an open-source operating system used across various devices. While it has achieved some success, it faces stiff competition from other operating systems such as Apple’s watchOS and Google’s WearOS.
Samsung’s decision to adopt Google’s WearOS as the main platform for its newest Galaxy Watch models suggests a shift in strategy. By aligning its smartwatches with a more widely used operating system, Samsung aims to attract a larger user base and leverage the ecosystem and app compatibility offered by WearOS. This move could potentially strengthen Samsung’s position in the smartwatch market and allow for a more seamless integration with other Android devices.
In conclusion, Samsung’s decision to end support for old Tizen smartwatches marks a significant shift in the company’s strategy. As the market for smartwatches continues to evolve, Samsung is taking steps to align itself with a more popular operating system, namely Google’s WearOS. While this may inconvenience some users, Samsung’s trade-in promotion offers an opportunity for owners of old Tizen devices to upgrade to a newer model. Ultimately, the adoption of WearOS may prove beneficial for Samsung’s future in the smartwatch market as it seeks to compete with other major players in the industry.
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