Samsung puts Tizen on first Galaxy Gear smartwatch via update

Samsung has released an update for the Galaxy Gear. The software brings the Tizen operating system to the smartwatch. This gives users access to the same functionality that Samsung released for the Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo.

The software update has been noticed by SamMobile and is being rolled out to all users of the Galaxy Gear, Samsung’s first smartwatch. With the update, the existing Android-based operating system will be replaced by Samsung’s own Tizen. The update should, among other things, ensure that the performance improves and that the battery lasts longer. Little else has changed on the interface.

According to SamMobile, installing the update ensures that data on the Galaxy Gear is deleted and that after installation it must be paired with a smartphone again. It is also possible that some third-party apps developed for Android will no longer work due to the switch to Tizen.

With the update, users of the Galaxy Gear will have access to the same software that serves the Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo, two smartwatches that Samsung recently released. This gives the Galaxy Gear access to the same functionality as Samsung’s latest smartwatches. These include a standalone music player and voice commands for the camera. Functionality that depends on sensors, such as measuring heart rate, is not built in.