Samsung reportedly developing a standalone smartwatch

The first iterations of the Samsung smartwatch required a Samsung smartphone to work. But now it would seem their next model would function on its own without the need of another device. The Wall Street Journal reports Samsung is developing a smartwatch that can take and make calls, take photos, and answer emails without the need of a Samsung Galaxy device. It will come with its own SIM card and will run on Tizen platform.

The Korean tech company is reportedly in talks with telecom carriers in the US, Europe, and South Korea about the device and they hope to debut the device between June and July.

7digital to release music download service app on Tizen

7digital plans to give Tizen users a version of their music app that will be in line with those for other platforms. The company aims to provide accessibility to over 25 million tracks across Tizen devices. The price for the music will be the same as that on 7digital sites and those on their other apps. Users will also get similar functionality as well as access to localized features. The app is set for a global release in the second quarter of the year.

Source: Slash Gear

Samsung debuts Tizen-powered Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo

Samsung is developing its wearable technology line without Google’s Android operating system. The Korean tech company has debuted two wearable devices running on Tizen, Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo. Both devices feature 1.63-inch Super AMOLED displays, 1GHz dual-core processors, 4GB storage, 512MB RAM, heart rate sensors, pedometers, music players, Bluetooth, 300mAh battery, IR blaster, and IP67 certified dust and water resistance. The Gear 2 comes with a 2MP camera.

The Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo are expected to work with a “wide variety of Samsung devices” and will be available globally around April. The Gear 2 will come with changeable straps in the color of Charcoal Black, Gold Brown, and Wild Orange. While the Gear 2 Neo will with straps in Charcoal Black, Mocha Grey, and Wild Orange.

Source: Droid Life

Tizen OS introduces 15 additional partners

The Tizen Association has just announced the addition of 15 more partners who will help develop the open source operating system Tizen. The partner program was introduced in November 2013 with 36 initial members. The new partners include ZTE, AccuWeather, CloudStreet, Sprint, Baidu, Cyberlightning, SoftBank Mobile, Acrodea, DynAgility, Red Bend Software, Gamevil, Piceasoft, Nomovok, Ixonos, and Inside Secure. The members can attend Tizen Association meetings to help develop the OS and work with Tizen Association Working Groups.