Samsung to open access to Tizen OS to other Smart TV makers

During the SDC 21 Developer Conference, Samsung officially announcedthat its Tizen operating system will become available to other smart TV manufacturers.

For a small fee, third-party brands will have access to the Tizen TV Platform Licensing service, which will allow Samsung's software platform to be installed on their devices. All partners will be able to brand TVs with the recognizable Tizen logo.

It is worth noting that Samsung, being one of the leaders in the Smart TV market, was one of the last to open its OS to other companies. Today, TV brands already have access to LG's webOS, Google's Android TV, or Amazon's Fire TV. Also among the available platforms: Opera TV (Sony, Hitachi models), Saphi TV (Philips) and various Linux firmware (Sony).

Besides opening up its operating system to competitors, Samsung announced cloud gaming service that will be available on TVs with Tizen OS.

The representatives of the company have not yet shared the details, but noted that users will be able to enjoy high quality games on smart TVs without connecting a powerful gaming PC or consoles.

This will not be Samsung's first foray into the cloud gaming market. In 2012, the company partnered with Gaikai to offer cloud game streaming to its TVs. This service was even launched in beta testing, but soon Gaikai was acquired by Sony, and Sony has already turned the project into PlayStation Now.