Tizen

Tizen
Linux Foundation · CC BY 3.0 · source
Name	Tizen
Developer	Samsung Electronics; Intel
Released	2012
Programming language	C, C++, HTML5, JavaScript
Operating system	Linux kernel
Platform	ARM, x86
License	Apache License 2.0, other open-source licenses

Tizen is a Linux-based open-source operating system jointly developed and maintained by major corporations and open-source communities. It targets a range of computing devices including smartphones, smartwatches, smart TVs, in-vehicle infotainment units, and internet-connected appliances. The project emphasizes permissive licensing, web-centric application frameworks, and collaboration among corporate contributors and standards bodies.

Overview

Tizen originated from collaborative efforts among Samsung Electronics, Intel, the Linux Foundation, and other contributors such as NEC Corporation, Panasonic, and LG Electronics. It uses a Linux kernel core and integrates components from projects like GStreamer, Wayland, and EFL (Enlightenment Foundation Libraries). The platform supports application development using HTML5, JavaScript, native C/C++ APIs, and standards promoted by organizations like the Open Mobile Alliance and World Wide Web Consortium. Tizen aims to provide a unified middleware and runtime for devices ranging from smartphones and wearable technology to smart TV sets and automotive infotainment systems.

History and Development

Development began as successors to earlier mobile initiatives such as LiMo Project and drew on codebases including MeeGo, a collaboration between Intel and Nokia. Early public milestones included integration announcements at events like Mobile World Congress and partnerships with carriers including Vodafone and NTT DoCoMo. Major corporate shifts involved product launches from Samsung Electronics including smartphone models, wristwatches exhibited at IFA (Berlin) and CES (Las Vegas), and smart TV platforms showcased at IFA 2013 and CES 2015. Contributions and governance evolved through bodies such as Tizen Association and community interactions on repositories hosted by organizations like the Linux Foundation.

Architecture and Components

The architecture layers include a Linux kernel base, middleware built from projects like PulseAudio, BlueZ, WebKitGTK+/WebKit for web runtime, and graphical stacks leveraging Wayland or compatibility with X.Org Server. System services implement telephony, multimedia using GStreamer, connectivity stacks interoperable with OpenSSL and libcurl, and device management integrating with standards from Open Mobile Alliance. The application framework exposes W3C-compliant web APIs alongside native APIs for performance-intensive tasks. Inter-process communication uses mechanisms found in D-Bus and other UNIX-like environments. The build system and packaging draw on tools and conventions used across Yocto Project and other embedded Linux ecosystems.

Supported Devices and Platforms

Tizen runs on diverse architectures including ARM architecture variants and x86 processors from vendors such as Intel and AMD. Consumer products include smartwatches by Samsung Gear series, smart TVs sold by Samsung Electronics as part of its smart TV platform, and in-vehicle systems reported in demonstrations by automotive suppliers at events like CES. Carrier and vendor-specific phones were released in markets with operators like SK Telecom and retail introduced in regions including South Korea and parts of Europe. Reference implementations and emulators are provided for developers using platforms like Eclipse-based tools and integrated development environments from Intel Corporation.

Application Ecosystem and Development

Application development uses HTML5 and JavaScript with the Web API set, or native C/C++ APIs for performance. Development tooling includes SDKs distributed by corporate partners and community projects integrating with Eclipse IDE, Visual Studio Code, and command-line toolchains common to the GNU Compiler Collection and Clang. Distributions and stores for apps were managed through vendor marketplaces, with developer programs, certification processes similar to those of Google Play and Apple App Store, and partnerships with content providers such as Netflix, YouTube, and regional app publishers. Developer outreach occurred at conferences like Mobile World Congress, Google I/O (comparative demonstrations), and CES workshops.

Market Adoption and Usage

Adoption concentrated in embedded and appliance markets where vendors like Samsung Electronics deployed the platform on millions of smart TVs and wearable devices. Smartphone market penetration remained limited compared to ecosystems like Android (operating system) and iOS (Apple), with some carrier trials and retail launches. Regulatory and commercial factors influenced adoption, including partnerships with telecommunication operators and interoperability demonstrations with platforms such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in the automotive domain. Regional adoption patterns showed higher uptake in South Korea and certain European markets for smart appliances and wearables.

Security and Privacy Features

Security components include use of kernel security features from Linux kernel subsystems, sandboxing of web applications via WebKit and runtime sandboxes similar to models used by Chromium and Firefox. Cryptographic functions rely on libraries like OpenSSL or alternatives, and application signing/certification workflows mirror practices in other major app ecosystems. Device management and over-the-air update mechanisms were designed in line with standards from the Open Mobile Alliance and industry best practices. Vendor-specific hardening, secure boot implementations, and partnerships with silicon vendors (e.g., Intel Corporation) contributed to platform integrity measures.

Category:Operating systems