Samsung could be gearing up to leave Android as the new CEO has called for them to focus more on software, reports CNET. This suggests that they could be looking towards developing their own proprietary OS.
Samsung Galaxy S3 runs Android but S4 future unknown suggests CNET
Samsung invested in the Bada OS and have always wanted to push their own integrated hardware and software experience, selling devices to select markets. However Android is very popular and as it is behind some of their most successful devices, including the recently released Galaxy S3, Samsung might find it difficult to quit the platform.
CNET adds that Kwon, the new Samsung CEO, fully supports investing in their own proprietary software and during his speech he said that Samsung needed to focus on providing new customer experiences and one way of doing so is to strengthen software capabilities along with design and the user experience. An integrated product should allow the company to take full control over all details of their handsets and tablets and means they would not be dependent on other companies to provide them with the latest software. It would also mean that they would stand out from all the other devices which rely on the same software.
Samsung may want to follow in the footsteps of Apple as they have their own software and hardware. They may also wish to bear in mind that Research in motion, Palm and Nokia have struggled when it comes to their software. Nokia made the move to Windows operating system while Palm has almost disappeared and RIM is struggling to remain ahead with their Blackberry OS.
Samsung may be feeling the pressure in regards to bringing out their OS with Google acquiring Motorola Mobility as it means that its partner is also a competitor that has potential to access early versions of Android. However Google did say that it would remain neutral in regards to Android. Samsung said that they look forward to Motorola bringing legal cover to the community of Android.
When it comes to devices, Samsung executives have said that they expect competition with Google. Samsung have the TouchWiz on the latest Android 4.0 devices like the Samsung Galaxy S3 so they do offer some customization already, but they could still do a great deal more to break free from the standard user experience of Android. There is nothing to say that this would be welcomed by Android fans as many prefer manufacturers to leave software alone. On the other side of the coin the manufacturers think that they have to stand apart from competitors and the only way to do this is to customize.
Samsung might take a leap forward and go for their own OS as they are one of the largest manufacturers of devices in the world and even outsell Apple, so they could actually pull it off. With the hottest Android smartphone on the market at the moment being the Samsung Galaxy S3, there’s no telling what the Samsung Galaxy S4 will hold in the future if Samsung really decides to push its own OS this time around next year.
