Tizen

Tizen is a Linux-based open-source operating system designed for a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, wearables, smartphones, and various connected devices. It was created by Samsung and Intel from the MeeGo project and is now stewarded by the Linux Foundation through the Tizen Project. The platform prioritizes HTML5-based web applications as the primary development model, while also supporting native C/C++ apps through a traditional API set.

Historically, MeeGo was an ambitious mobile and embedded effort that did not reach broad consumer adoption. In 2011–2012 Samsung and Intel pivoted to Tizen, aiming to provide a common, cross-device platform. While Tizen gained traction in Samsung’s product lines for smart TVs and wearables, it did not achieve widespread success in the smartphone market, and Samsung gradually refocused mobile software toward Android. Since then, Tizen has concentrated on in-vehicle infotainment, IoT devices, and other smart devices, maintaining a diversified, though smaller, ecosystem.

The architecture centers on the Linux kernel with a system layer that provides common services across devices. Applications are delivered in two main forms: web apps built with HTML5/JavaScript/CSS and native apps using the Tizen Native API (C/C++). The UI and runtime are designed to be portable across device families, with security features such as sandboxing, package signing, and controlled app distribution. Development is supported by Tizen Studio, an official IDE with tools, emulators, and a packaging workflow. Apps are distributed through the Tizen Store, with code released under multiple open-source licenses.

Today, Tizen remains active primarily in Samsung Smart TVs, some wearables, and various IoT and automotive infotainment applications. Its smartphone presence has diminished, but the platform continues to support cross-device development and ongoing open-source contributions within the Linux Foundation ecosystem.