According to a recent report, Samsung may be putting an end to its Windows Phone 7 smartphones in favor of its own Bada OS by the end of 2012. This shift could mean that we may only see a few more Windows Phone 7 devices from Samsung between now and then.
Of course, this is just a rumor at the moment and is yet to be confirmed by Samsung. However, there have been rumors over the last few weeks that Samsung is looking for alternative mobile OS’s to Android and Windows Phone 7.
Samsung’s Strategic Shift
Earlier today, Samsung announced that they would be updating all their existing Wave smartphones to the latest version of their Bada operating system, Bada OS 2.0. This move indicates a significant investment in their proprietary OS, which could be a strategic shift to gain more control over their software ecosystem. By focusing on Bada OS, Samsung might be aiming to reduce its dependency on external platforms like Android and Windows Phone 7.
Samsung’s Bada OS has been around since 2010, and while it hasn’t achieved the same level of popularity as Android or iOS, it has a dedicated user base. The update to Bada OS 2.0 brings several new features, including improved user interface, enhanced multitasking capabilities, and better support for apps. This could make Bada OS a more attractive option for both developers and consumers.
Implications for the Mobile Market
If Samsung does indeed phase out its Windows Phone 7 devices, it could have several implications for the mobile market. For one, it would mean less competition for other Windows Phone manufacturers like Nokia and HTC. This could potentially lead to a more consolidated Windows Phone market, which might benefit from more focused marketing and development efforts.
On the other hand, Samsung’s increased focus on Bada OS could lead to a more fragmented mobile OS landscape. With Android, iOS, Windows Phone, and now Bada OS all vying for market share, consumers might have more choices but also face more confusion. Developers, too, would need to decide which platforms to prioritize, which could impact the availability and quality of apps across different OS’s.
It’s also worth noting that Samsung has been exploring other operating systems as well. There have been reports of Samsung working on Tizen, an open-source OS developed in collaboration with Intel. Tizen aims to provide a flexible and customizable platform for a wide range of devices, from smartphones to smart TVs and even automotive systems. This indicates that Samsung is not putting all its eggs in one basket and is instead exploring multiple avenues to diversify its software offerings.
We think this is one of those rumors which needs to be taken with a pinch of salt at the moment until we get some official confirmation from Samsung. However, the company’s recent actions suggest that they are indeed looking to expand their software portfolio and reduce their reliance on third-party operating systems.
Source, Twitter
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