Samsung Z Release Date Passes Without Reveal: Is There Room For Tizen?

Samsung's own OS, Tizen, did not made its official debut this week as expected in launch device Samsung Z, CNET reports.

The Android OS's rival was expected to be revealed in Moscow after years of build-up, but new problems have reportedly delayed Tizen yet again. The OS was also planned for a March unveiling earlier this year in Japan, but Japanese network NTT Docomo reportedly changed its mind, noting "the market is not big enough to support three operating systems at this time."

Tizen, which already powers Samsung products like the Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo smartwatches, has the potential to be a major moneymaker for Samsung, which currently relies on Google for its operating system in its Galaxy devices. A launch of Tizen would mean the money users spend on apps would now land into Samsung's pockets, rather than Google's. Last year, Samsung co-CEO Boo-Keun Yoon stated that the company planned to use Tizen on all mobile phones and tablets in the future.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Samsung has promised that "the smartphone will appear on the Russian market later, when we can offer our users a fullest portfolio of applications," which means Samsung does not feel confident yet in its app selection to release the Z, according to CNET:

"That's the eternal dilemma for new operating systems: developers don't build apps for phones nobody owns, but nobody buys phones that don't have any apps."

However, SlashGear notes that you can't knock Samsung for a lack of effort, noting that the Korean tech giant has "a list of notable software partners and has even "tried to inspire developers with Tizen app contests."

What do you make of the delay to Samsung Z and the official release of Tizen OS? Would you buy a device running Tizen? Let us in on your thinking with a relevant comment.