Samsung's Tizen OS Smartwatch May Soon be iOS Compatible, Says Samsung
The Korean manufacturer, according to a report in Tech Times, recently claimed that they are working on making their new Gear S2 smartwatch that runs on their homegrown Tizen OS compatible with Apple's iOS devices. The Tech Times report mentioned Digital Spy as the main source of the news.
The announcement was reportedly made by a spokesperson from Samsung who was speaking at the recently concluded IFA 2015 in Berlin. According to Digital Spy, the executive said that they were "looking into possibilities to open it up to iOS," as they have already opened up their Tizen OS smartwatches to be compatible with Android OS devices.
In terms of when this may likely happen, the report however said that this may take some time, as it requires Samsung to "create an entirely new framework" specifically for iOS users, just like what they did with Android Wear. There is also the complication that Samsung and Apple are not exactly known for collaborating with each other because of stiff competition and patent litigation.
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Samsung's announcement comes at the heels of Google's revelation that Android Wear will be compatible with iOS, starting with the LG Watch Urbane, which was released on August 30. Should Samsung be able be to successfully pull this off eventually, it means that the company will be directly competing against the Apple Watch.
The new Gear S2 was unveiled at the IFA 2015 and has received positive reviews for its round-face design, which some users prefer over Apple Watch's square face. Powered by a Samsung Exynos processor, it is paired with 512 GB of RAM and has an internal storage of 4 GB. It has a rotating bezel, which is the first of its kind among smartwatches and is useful in controlling apps and navigating through the OS. Its display is a 1.2-in Super AMOLED screen with a 360 x 360 resolution. Battery capacity is at 250 mAh. It is water and dust-resistant and has voice control, like the Apple Watch.
