Samsung Thumbs Nose at Android, Launches Low Cost Tizen Smartphone

[[Coi] Mr.CLuBBeR]

Low cost device represents a significant mobile play

Entry level handsets launched in emerging markets don't typically elicit too much attention, though in this case, there's a reason why some people are making a big deal out of Samsung's latest smartphone. The Samsung Z1, launched today in New Delhi, runs the company's own Tizen operating system, which is indicative of Samsung wanting to groom new users and markets on something other than Android.
This is part of a larger push in favor of Tizen, which is also found on other electronic devices and, as announced recently, will be featured on every single smart TV that Samung launches this year. The strategy is an interesting one, not just because Samsung is attempting to push Tizen into different product categories, but also due to its focus on a market segment (first time smartphone buyers in India) that isn't being fiercely contested by rivals.
According to the press release, the Samsung Z1 will be priced at under $100 (5700 Indian Ruppees, or about $92 in U.S. currency). The timing of the low-cost release comes at a time when Samsung is undergoing a bit of internal restructuring due to sliding profits and the failure to sell as many flagship Galaxy S5 devices as it hoped it would.
Samsung has tried on more than one occasion to push its Tizen platform as a viable alternative to Android, though it hasn't really caught one, especially in the smartphone category despite several different Tizen-based handset launches last year.
What's different this time around is that Samsung isn't relying on wireless carriers and app developers to push its product -- it's selling the Samsung Z1 directly through its retail networks using web versions of Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, the Wall Street Journal reports. Samsung also plans to heavily promote its brand name to help offset the fact that many people have never heard of Tizen.
Looking longer term, Samsung hopes it can build a bit of a following in India, which in turn would give Tizen some street cred and attract more consumers and developers.
As to the hardware, the Z1 is a fairly basic device -- 4-inch WVGA display, 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 768MB RAM, 4GB internal storage + microSD card slot (up to 64GB), VGA front-facing camera, 3.1-megapixel rear-facing camera, 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, USB 2.0, GPS, accelerometer, 1500 mAh battery, and of course TIzen 2.3.
"The smartphone market in India is rapidly evolving, with many consumers using their device as their screen of choice for content including videos, television programs and video games, as well as a range of apps," said Mr. Hyun Chil Hong, President and CEO, Samsung India Electronics, "We have customized the Samsung Z1 to meet these unique, entertainment-focused needs of local Indian consumers for a personal and reliable mobile experience."
Availability in India begins today with white, black, and "wine red" color options.
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