Tizen operating system reviews. Additional support questions
It became available on the shelves of Russian stores large number various “smart” TVs. When choosing a Smart TV, the user is faced with the problem of which OS to choose when choosing a TV. Today, market leaders use 3 operating systems in their smart TVs: Tizen from Samsung, WebOS 2.0 from LG or Android from Sony and Philips. In this article we talk about the features and advantages of all three systems.
Last year the most large manufacturers TVs presented new models of their smart devices with Tizen OS, WebOS 2.0 and Android. The last two migrated from smartphones to smart TVs, only Samsung with Tizen OS developed an “OS” for a number of devices with the ability to connect to the Internet. Let's take a closer look at the capabilities of the operating systems of modern smart TVs and what they offer the user.
Tizen OS
Tizen OS interface
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The latest Samsung TV models are equipped with Tizen OS, which demonstrates a simple and intuitive interface, as well as ample opportunities its settings. All modern televisions have an electronic interactive user manual in which you can find the answer to any question without contacting paper instructions, which is very convenient.
All remote controls of new Samsung TV models can be used as a digital pointer - they have an integrated gyroscope, which allows you to control the cursor not with buttons, but by moving your hand in the appropriate direction. For standard commands you can use voice control: Switch channels, control volume and sleep timer. To turn on the microphone, just press the corresponding button on the remote control.
When called up, the Tizen OS menu appears at the bottom of the screen without covering the current image or interfering with viewing. The menu ribbon contains 2 lists of applications: the most popular and recently used. Diversity pre-installed applications quite extensive and aimed at Russian-speaking users, including popular apps online cinemas IVI, Amediateka, Tvigle, Zoomby, Megogo, online video services - YouTube and Rutube.
In addition to the ability to play videos and watch TV channels, Tizen OS allows you to install various games from the Tizen Store app store. To access games, there is a separate access panel to the game library. Tizen also has the ability to switch between several applications without returning to home page, and on older models there is multitasking - support for multi-window mode: watching videos while surfing the web, etc. When this function is activated, the screen is divided, and its size can be adjusted by choosing the borders of the image to suit you. The browser of the new operating system is not very fast, but I treat it without much criticism, since I did not notice any noticeable “brakes”.
The OS has the ability to send an image from TV to a smartphone, as well as stream images from mobile devices on TV using Miracast technology. Plus, you can access content from all devices connected to the TV.
WebOS 2.0
WebOS 2.0 interface
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operating system WebOS 2.0, developed for LG smart TVs, is similar to Tizen, but with a different design: a similar menu ribbon that appears at the bottom of the screen; voice control with identical remote control and even multitasking are still there. WebOS 2.0 also provides a “Setup Wizard” with an interactive interface.
WebOS 2.0 provides access to many online services - IVI, Okko, Megogo, Amediateka, as well as access to games and other applications through the LG Store.
As I already said, WebOS 2.0 also has a multi-window interface and allows you to access several simultaneously running processes without returning to the main menu. WebOS from LG allows you to access content from all devices connected to the TV using the SmartShare function, and of course, image transfer from mobile devices () is also supported by the operating system. In general, WebOS 2.0 – complete analogue Tizen with a modified interface.
Android TV
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TVs on Android platform TV is very user friendly and easy to use. The home page is a screen of horizontal columns of applications sorted by category. The first column displays a list of recently watched videos, the second contains all applications installed on the smart TV, and the third contains a list of games. The lowest service column provides access to the settings menu. Disadvantages of the interface: challenge start screen When playing a video or watching TV, it completely covers the image.
Many believe that Android TV will be convenient for users of smartphones with a similar OS, since it allows you to install on the TV the same set of applications that the user uses on the smartphone. Firstly, in practice, not all applications are available for working with a smart TV, and secondly, it is difficult to find similar programs. Main advantage of Android TV is the ability to install games from the official store Google applications. Gamers can easily find a suitable controller, and keyboards are also supported. In addition, all TVs are Android based TVs support Chromecast technology, which can be used to transfer content from mobile devices to the TV.
Conclusion
For inexperienced users, Samsung TVs with OC Tizen are more friendly, since Tizen already has a package of Russian-language applications installed and there is no need to configure the TV while understanding the new OS. I was pleased with the support for multitasking, which allows you to simultaneously play video on the TV screen and use a browser, as well as broadcasting images from the TV to a mobile device.
LG fans will not be disappointed by the WebOS 2.0 operating system, which is essentially an analogue of OC Tizen. Considering the fact that WebOS 3.0 is expected in early 2016, there is a justifiable opportunity to wait for the appearance of new models of LG smart TVs.
To be honest, I chose a TV with Android TV for myself, but I wouldn’t recommend it to the average user yet. If you confident user smartphone on Android OS, are a little technically savvy and ready to produce customization TV, then a TV on Android TV is your choice. Those wishing to use the TV to watch broadcast channels and videos in online cinemas, it is better to give preference to other OS. An Android TV can truly be used as multimedia center, because this operating system has numerous settings and using such a smart TV is perfect for playing your video library and games.
With the latest smart TVs, you don't need to stream your favorite movies or music to your TV. Samsung Smart TV is one such TV that offers great content without the need of a set-top box. Powered by Samsung Smart TVs are fast and responsive, but in order to enjoy this great feature, users need to have it installed on their TV. Samsung Smart TV apps are readily available on the Samsung store, and there are plenty of programs to choose from depending on your needs. And so, we present to you the best 10 applications that will help you extract maximum benefit from your Smart TV.
Best Samsung Smart TV Apps
- is almost a household name all over the world when it comes to online video streaming. He has remained ahead of the curve since he invented the entire concept almost ten years ago. Netflix currently offers an impressive selection of existing TV shows and movies in its arsenal. But that's not all! The company is also investing heavily in its own exclusive productions, including the political drama House of Cards and comedies such as Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. When we talk about the amount of content in Netflix's database, it is by far the largest streaming service. However, the available content depends on your location. Content available in the UK app store may not appear in the US app store. Netflix is also a great starting point if you decide to become a streamer. It's also worth noting that you can find movies in 4K resolution on Netflix.
2. – Amazon is another amazing app that offers you great TV content. IN recent years The video content offering has improved significantly, and Amazon now offers its own catalog of exclusive shows. Amazon also has a notable collection of content from other providers, but like Netflix, the content is different from the US and UK stores. One good detail in Amazon Prime Video is that you don't need to register account, before you can browse movie titles, unlike Netflix. The Amazon Prime listing is available directly on Amazon's website so users can see what they like before signing up.
3. Hulu(USA only). Previously, Hulu offered two types of services which included free service with limited content and advertisements between films and paid service, which expands the choice of content, but advertising still remains. However, last September the company finally introduced a completely ad-free subscription service, putting the service on par with rivals Netflix and Amazon Prime. Hulu is still several steps behind Netflix and Amazon Prime in the number and quality of exclusive offerings. Another problem is that a small number of videos will still show ads even if you are on a paid subscription.
4. IPlayer(UK only). The BBC's iPlayer app is only available in the UK and streams high-quality TV, radio and movies. You get to watch some of the best TV shows the BBC has produced in recent years, such as Doctor Who, Sherlock and Luther. Although the BBC makes its shows available to watch for 30 days after their first broadcast, iPlayer makes up for this by arguably providing the most wide choice shows available on any of the streaming services on this list.
5. All 4(UK only). While the BBC has an iPlayer, Channel 4 also has its own All 4 app, which covers content from Channel 4, E4 and More 4. Its offering, however, differs from the BBC iPlayer in that it offers access to unlimited time-honored top-rated shows. So, if you want to sit down and watch every episode of Peep Show since it aired in 2003, All 4 makes it very easy.
6. Playstation Now is not a video streaming application, it is a gaming application that allows you to play various PlayStation 3 games on your TV. Well, the processor is Samsung TV It's not designed for heavy games like Assassin's Creed II, but the app can stream the game directly from Sony's server, so the game isn't actually controlled by your TV's processor. The app relies heavily on Internet speeds to make games feel as responsive as if they were running natively on a console. To use this application you will also need game controller(joystick)
7. HBO Go/HBO Now(US only) - HBO Go and HBO Now are available in the US only. They offer streaming from the Home Box Office TV network, which includes the now classics The Sopranos, The Wire and of course Game of Thrones. HBO has the largest number of classic series in its arsenal, which gives this service big advantage online. Amazon Prime Video has some of HBO's best shows, like Game of Thrones and others, but HBO's own apps give you access to shows as soon as they air. So, if you watch the next episode of Game of Thrones on the day it's released, you'll have to subscribe to HBO Go or HBO Now. HBO Go is available to subscribers only cable television HBO, and HBO Now is available to everyone, whether you pay for a premium channel or not.
8. YouTube- Okay, okay! Everyone knows what YouTube is! The only thing you may not know is that in addition to amateur videos of skateboarders and cats falling, YouTube in recent years has begun to host a variety of content, from comedies to reality shows and documentaries. YouTube also provides full movies that can be rented for 30 days or purchased directly.
9. Spotify- If you have an excellent sound system for your home theater, it would be a good idea to also play music on it rather than just stream video. Spotify is perhaps the world's most famous and largest music streaming service. There are more than 30 million tracks in its database. Exists free package with advertising, and paid - without advertising, and with music in the best quality.
10. VUDU(USA only). We come to yet another video streaming service, VUDU. The service is only available in the United States and you can only rent or buy movies on an individual basis. The website often runs sales where you can save big. Rental prices range from $0.99 to $5.99, and purchases range from $4.99 to $24.99. VUDU has a much smaller library of movies compared to Netflix, but they publish them immediately after release, unlike Netflix, which tends to use older movies in their library. VUDU is best used as a complement to Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Newest Tizen system OS appeared on Samsung TVs in 2016. She learned how to control a smart home using the SmartThings platform. This means that the buyer new technology will be able to connect to unified system in your home, absolutely everything, from light bulbs to the front door. Even in “cinema” mode on the TV, smart home The light from the bulbs will automatically dim and the audio system receiver will turn on.
What have we lost and what have we gained?
Tizen OS is an open source platform. She became the heir to MeeGo and Bada starting in 2015. The entire interface and operation of applications in new TV models is built on this operating system trademark Samsung. As planned by specialists, the platform received more flexible capabilities compared to its predecessors.
The Tizen OS operating system has a fairly clear and easy-to-use interface. New models provide an electronic interactive manual, thanks to which the viewer will quickly find answers to any of their questions without using paper instructions. The remote control on Samsung TVs can be used as a digital pointer, and voice control can be used to perform standard commands.
The OS Tizen menu will appear at the bottom of the screen after calling. This approach allows you to leave the current image open and not interfere with viewing. The feed contains two lists of applications, including both the most popular and those that the viewer has recently used.
Tizen Store and other features of the new OS
Thanks to the Tizen Store, the new platform allows you to install the most different games. 2016 Samsung TV models also provide the ability to switch between applications without returning the viewer to the home page. The most expensive options Technicians will delight you with their multitasking, namely support for multiple windows. For example, a viewer can watch a video and simultaneously search the Internet necessary information. When this function is activated, the screen will be divided into several windows, the boundaries of which can be customized by the TV owner.
The Tizen operating system, using a technology called Miracast, allows you to send pictures from your TV to mobile phone and vice versa. In addition, by becoming the owner of just such equipment, the viewer will receive unlimited access to content from absolutely all devices that will be connected to the TV. Will please new platform and availability installed package Russian-language applications. They will eliminate the need to set up the TV and study the capabilities of the operating system.
Few people pay attention to the emergence of new generations of operating systems. But the release of the Tizen OS with the GNU Linux license became a real landmark event in the world of computers, mobile devices and even household appliances. The combined efforts of Samsung and Intel corporations made it possible to create a completely new OS based on a monolithic Linux kernels. The Tizen operating system has not yet become particularly widespread (except perhaps in devices manufactured by Samsung), however, they predict a great future for it. But first, it’s worth understanding what this OS is and where it can be used.
Tizen operating system: first acquaintance
The origin of the name of the new OS, as reputable Internet resources make it clear, is based on an abbreviation of three English words. Tie means “connection” or “binding”, Rise means “ascent” or “resurrection”, Zen is the name of the Eastern philosophy of Zen (probably implying the simplicity and flexibility of concepts or the superiority of the understanding of the intellect over the mind).
The Tizen operating system has Therefore, anyone can make their own changes to it. According to the same GNU licenses Linux, the system is freely distributed. But many users are still very cautious about the new product, despite the fact that Samsung began actively implementing it in its devices in 2013.
Supported devices
Initially it was believed that new development should become the basis for mobile devices as opposed to the existing Android OS. Over time, the development continued. Smart TVs with a new built-in operating system have become quite popular all over the world.
Today you can find several basic modifications, including support not only for television panels or mobile gadgets, but also tablets and even laptops. There is no talk about stationary PCs yet, although, apparently, this is not far off. The fact is that initially the system was focused on ARM processors and x86. Based on this, it is not difficult to realize that creating a version for the x64 architecture is practically a matter of time. True, in terms of competition with Windows, Linux or Mac OS X, Samsung Tizen's position looks clearly losing.
Another thing is that the above systems are not used in household appliances. Here the development occupied a free niche. Samsung Application Tizen in Smart TV devices has become truly a revolution because new system turned out to be quite independent and autonomous.
History of creation
The history of the creation of the new OS says that it became the heir not only to the Linux kernel, but also to such systems as MeeGo, Bada and LiMa (not to mention the fact that many compare it with Android developments).
People first started talking about this system in 2011, when the Linux Foundation and LiMo Foundation presented their open source development in the form of the Tizen OS. The project was headed by monsters computer world- Samsung and Intel corporations. The second, by the way, judging by the statements, intends to quite seriously reorient one of the market segments towards this particular system, including automotive systems.
And it is not surprising that at the moment The Tizen operating system, which is constantly being improved and tested, has twelve companies as developers and manufacturers of supported devices, among which the most significant are Nissan, Land Rover, Toyota, not counting such giants as Fujitsu or NVIDIA.
System versions
Constantly releasing versions of the new OS could not help but unite developers. Thus, the newly created Tizen Association included developers employed by other companies. But the first announcement of the system is usually dated September 27, 2011. Version 1.0 is called Lacspur. It was officially released in 2012 (April 30). The OS was distinguished by its support for HTML5, W3C, OpenGL and WebRTC. In addition, a special package for developers was released in the form of an SDK.
The second modification 2.0, called Magnolia, received an updated Web support Framework and could use additional tools APIs that allowed access to modules wireless communication(Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth), calendar, contacts, call logs and other settings on mobile devices. It was later modified into version 2.1 of Nectarine, which differed mainly only in extending the API tools and was only supported Samsung systems RD-PQ and RD-210, intended exclusively for developers.
And only the release of version 3.0 in 2013 became the breakthrough that everyone had been waiting for so impatiently. Although the system was initially aimed at Galaxy S4 mobile devices, the announced version had the advantage that it could be used on netbooks, laptops or tablets.
Android wasn't even close
Some skeptics compare Samsung Tizen on mobile devices to Android systems. Indeed, at first glance, the differences are quite difficult to notice. But here you need to clearly understand that all Linux-like systems (by the way, based on UNIX code) have an almost identical interface.
First of all, the differences that this open operating system has, mind you, is that absolutely all the drivers for the intended devices were written, so to speak, from scratch. In addition, unlike Android, the Tizen operating system does not support the already boring Java machine, but is capable of working with JavaScript. In a sense, this can be called a minus, but there are still a couple of trump cards up his sleeve.
The fact is that the system was originally conceived as a tool in the form of WebOS. Such attempts have been made by many developers ( Google Chrome OS, Firefox OS). But this system has advanced much further, thanks to the fact that any developer can use application programming based on the CSS/JavaScript/HTML5 combination. In addition, a set of native development tools based on the C++ language has become a real find for many programmers.
Key Features
As for the system itself, it can be considered using the example of launching on mobile devices. The first thing that catches your eye is the greeting, which is made in the form simple menu, where you can select specific point settings or function being used.
Smartphones have a special Tizen app Store (application store). Of course, it is still being improved in terms of adding the same multimedia content, however, for developers there are means of monetization and even hosting their own mobile development in the form of paid publications with support for embedding into others official applications from Samsung. True, some users may perceive this as the presence of advertising, but, alas, there is no escape from this.
Smart TV Tizen
Deserves special attention television panels. Compared to the previous HUB, where the main menu took up the entire screen and you had to stop browsing to access functions current program, the new system has become more flexible.
The new menu is presented in the form of icons, and to access specific function no need to go to different subsections. Everything is, as they say, at hand. But here’s the trick: control can be done in several ways.
The classic way is to use the remote control remote control. But, thanks to the cameras installed on some smart TV models, the user can easily navigate using gestures or voice commands. And the entrance to the menu itself can be blocked. Thus, the Tizen operating system on the TV plays a dual role - both a control tool and a security tool. And if you synchronize the panel with a smartphone, in general, the advantages are more than enough. Smart TVs of the Smart TV standard treat the corresponding devices even as regular control panels, not counting the use of other functions.
Additional support questions
Unfortunately, this OS has not yet received wide distribution, although the declared capabilities are much higher than those of other systems of this rank.
So far, the impasse is only due to the fact that, despite the declared support from eminent hardware manufacturers, software of this type is implemented only by Samsung Corporation and only on its devices. Therefore, we should be skeptical at best about the fact that devices will be released in the near future that will use the Tizen operating system as a control platform.
But it contains several interesting features. On the TV panel, you can use the Quick Connect function to transfer data from a smartphone or tablet to the panel, split the screen into parts (Multi-link Screen), use the Smart HUB platform with games and applications, as well as - GameFlyStreaming - passing games without using consoles in general.
Is everything so good?
All of the above advantages seem to be in favor of the new OS. But it is not known for certain whether it was tested for the effects of viruses and malicious codes. There is no point in assuming that, like any Linux system, it is inherently secure. Firstly, this operating system has an open source source code and no one will interfere to a third party developer amend it to such an extent as to gain access to confidential information. The same user location can be determined quite simply.
In addition, even the developers themselves indicate that on some TV models the system may freeze due to instability. And it is impossible to “reflash” old models of TV panels from Samsung in any way.
Should I use the system or not?
However, if you weigh the pros and cons, use a new software platform it is possible, even though it is not (yet) widely used. Considering that Samsung company will implement this system everywhere, the fact that it is being isolated from the global community of equipment manufacturers and developers looks very doubtful software. Therefore with enough high degree In all likelihood, it can be argued that in the near future some giants in the market of mobile devices, computers and software products will have to, to put it mildly, move forward (of course, if they don’t create anything new).