Samsung

Samsung will, in fact, launch some Tizen-based smartphones this year, the company has confirmed.

In a statement to CNET, a Samsung spokesperson said that the company plans "to unveil competitive Tizen devices within this year." The person didn't say how many devices would be offered, and failed to provide details on what sort of features those handsets might deliver. Those details will be announced at a later time.

The Samsung spokesperson said that the company will launch more Tizen-based devices "based on market situations."

Reports have been swirling for days that Samsung would be launching Tizen-based devices. Samsung did not, however, confirm its decision to launch Tizen handsets this year until today.

Tizen is a Linux-based operating system that arose out of the demise of Nokia's MeeGo platform. Intel and Samsung have taken over the development of Tizen, and the Linux Foundation is overseeing the project. The companies hope to make Tizen a stronger competitor to Android, which has been viewed by open-source advocates as too closed off for their liking.

Although Samsung is believed to have designs on making Tizen a leading mobile operating system, Android and Windows Phone are expected to continue to be a key part of its mobile product mix for the foreseeable future. With Android-based handsets such as the Galaxy S3 especially, Samsung has watched its market share soar, but Tizen could be a way for the company to hedge its bets against a too-dominant Android.

(Via Bloomberg)