Samsung Extends Tizen OS Support for 7 Years
Samsung Extends Tizen OS Support for Smart TVs, Heightens Competition Against Chinese Brands
Samsung has announced a notable shift in its update policy for AI-powered TVs, now extending Tizen operating system support to seven years. This strategic move is set to fortify the company's position amidst mounting competition from Chinese rivals such as Hisense and TCL. The extended support will initially apply to TVs released in March 2024 and select models from 2023. Unlike previous updates that primarily addressed bug fixes, this newly expanded policy gears towards enhancing the OS itself.
Samsung's dominance in the smart TV market has faced challenges, with a noticeable decline in its global TV market share in the first half of 2024, dropping to nearly 29%. This decline has put the company in closer competition with TCL and Hisense, with the latter holding a 12.1% and 10% share, respectively. Yong Seok-Yoon, the president of Samsung Electronics’ Visual Display Business Division, anticipates that this extended policy will play a significant role in widening the market share gap between Samsung and its Chinese rivals.
Notably, this move aligns with Samsung's earlier commitment to providing seven years of updates for its Galaxy S24 smartphone series, indicating a broader strategic shift in the company's approach to device longevity. Samsung's domestic competitor, LG, has also joined the extended support arena, with plans to offer five years of webOS upgrades for its smart TVs, although detailed models have yet to be announced.
Key Takeaways
- Samsung extends Tizen OS support to seven years for AI-powered TVs.
- Initial application to 2024 models and select 2023 releases.
- Aim to widen market share gap against Chinese competitors.
- Shift in updates from bug fixes to OS enhancement.
- Decline in global TV market share for Samsung in H1 2024.
Analysis
Samsung's decision to extend Tizen OS support reflects a strategic maneuver to strengthen its competitive stance against Chinese counterparts. The emphasis on enhancing user experience and device longevity underscores the company’s response to intensifying market competition. This move is poised to secure Samsung’s market share in the short term by fostering customer loyalty and attracting new buyers. It also carries the potential to set an industry standard for OS support, influencing consumer expectations and pressuring competitors to follow suit. While the extended support will entail increased R&D costs, the resulting impact on sustained sales and brand loyalty may offset these investments.
Did You Know?
- Tizen Operating System:
- Explanation: Developed by Samsung, Tizen is an open-source OS widely utilized in their smart TVs and smartphones. Known for its customizable nature and efficiency, Tizen ensures a seamless user experience across diverse devices. The extended support for Tizen aims to keep Samsung's TVs competitive in terms of features and performance.
- AI-powered TVs:
- Explanation: AI-powered TVs integrate advanced technologies such as voice recognition and personalized content recommendations to enrich the user experience. Samsung's extended updates for these TVs aim to ensure the continuity and relevance of these advanced features, setting their products apart from competitors.
- Market Share Gap:
- Explanation: With a focus on maintaining and expanding its lead over Chinese brands like Hisense and TCL, Samsung's extended support and updates aim to enhance customer loyalty and draw in new buyers, ultimately bolstering the company's market share within the industry.