Samsung Releases The Z1, Their First Tizen OS phone, in India

Android, iOS, and Windows Phone have the mobile OS market locked down pretty tight, but Samsung is looking to squeeze in on the action with Tizen OS, with the first Tizen-powered phone launching in India. The Samsung Z1 is available now for approximately $92.

It’s cheap, but appropriately so, boasting only a 4-inch WVGA PLS screen, a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, and 768MB RAM. The rear camera is 3.1MP while the front camera is VGA. This is very much a budget, entry-level phone but it is Samsung, so it should perform admirably.

The big question on the mind of potential buyers no doubt involves the Tizen operating system and what sort of apps they can expect. Unfortunately Samsung didn’t comment, and with this being the first-even Tizen phone (there have been two smartwatches running Tizen), we’ll have to wait for some consumer feedback to find out just what’s on offer. A poor app selection could very well sink the Z1.

For those who wonder if Samsung is leaving Android behind, don’t worry. As the company has mentioned on several occasions, they’re simply hoping to lessen their reliance on Google’s operating system.

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Samsung Unveils the Samsung Z1, the First Tizen Powered Smartphone for Indian Consumers

January 14, 2015

Samsung Z1 expands the mobile entertainment experience with simple yet smart features
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?NEW DELHI, India – January 14, 2015: Samsung India Electronics Private Limited today announced the launch of the first Tizen powered smartphone for India, the Samsung Z1. Appealing to millions of potential users in India, the Samsung Z1 offers exclusive benefits for localized entertainment apps and a simple user interface that makes mobility easier and more enjoyable, even for the first-time smartphone users.
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?Built on the lightweight Tizen platform, the Samsung Z1 delivers a faster boot time and quick access to apps, along with enhanced web performance to offer users faster page loading times with decreased data usage. The Samsung Z1 is equipped with long-lasting battery performance and also features ‘Ultra Power Saving Mode’ to ensure users can always stay connected, even at the minimal battery levels.
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?“The smartphone market in India is rapidly evolving, with many consumers using their device as their screen of choice for content including videos, television programs and video games, as well as a range of apps,” said Mr. Hyun Chil Hong, President and CEO, Samsung India Electronics, “We have customized the Samsung Z1 to meet these unique, entertainment-focused needs of local Indian consumers for a personal and reliable mobile experience.”
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?Quick and Efficient
?The user interface on the Samsung Z1 is simple and easy to use, offering faster and smoother device performance when combined with the lighter Tizen platform. Powered by a 1.2GHz dual-core processor, 768 MB RAM and 4GB internal memory expandable up to 64GB with a microSD card, the device features dual SIM support and delivers a seamless and user-friendly smartphone experience. The new smartphone is equipped with a long-lasting 1500mAh battery enabling 7 hours of non-stop videos and 8 hours of talk time. The battery life has been further enhanced with the unique ‘Ultra Power Saving Mode’ which lets the phone remain operational in important situations, even at minimal battery levels.
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?Better Viewing and Camera Experience
?The Samsung Z1 is equipped with a superior 4” WVGA PLS screen, made with advanced Samsung technology. The screen allows consumers to enjoy games, videos and other multimedia content to the fullest with crystal clear resolution. The smartphone is equipped with a 3.1 megapixel rear camera that allows high quality shots even in low light settings and a VGA front camera with an auto face detect feature to easily capture more natural selfies.
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?Ultimate Entertainment Content
?Samsung sets a new standard in the mobile entertainment space by providing users with a wide range of free entertainment content spanning across categories such as music, movies, videos, mobile TV and radio. Samsung will launch a free entertainment package called ‘Joy Box’, giving users access to music, TV and movies. In addition, the Samsung Z1 will offer consumers free access to premium content available on Club Samsung. Users can stream and download from over 270,000 songs, and watch over 80 live TV channels.
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?For music lovers, Samsung has partnered with Hungama.com to deliver a wider selection of music streaming and downloading. Over two million Bollywood and English songs can be accessed for free for a period of three months. Samsung has additionally partnered with mobile Live TV service nexGTv and Box TV, bundled for three month, allowing consumers to watch their favourite TV shows and enjoy over 7000 Bollywood and Hollywood movies. All this access to content and services is worth around INR 1,750/- a year.
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?Send Help Message + Location Information
?The Samsung Z1 is not just a smartphone for entertainment. It is equipped with features that enable users to quickly reach out for assistance in any emergency situation. The SOS alert is quick and simple to use – with just a press of the power button four times, the Samsung Z1 will send out ‘Help’ message to the user’s primary contacts and track the user’s location to provide necessary assistance.
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?Security/Antivirus
?Samsung strongly believes that security must be one step ahead in smartphones, and continues to address today’s increasingly complex security challenges. The built-in AntiVirus protection on Samsung Z1 automatically checks for any viruses when users install an app, check email or receive an SMS. Text messages will also be checked for any sort of virus, smishing, phishing, and even pharming. If something is detected, AntiVirus notifies users that virus has been detected and allows them to delete the message without opening it. For enhanced security measures, consumers can also utilize Samsung Z1’s private mode to create their own private space where pictures and files can be saved.
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?Price and Availability
?The Samsung Z1 is priced at INR 5,700/- and will be available in India from January 14th in White, Black and Wine Red.
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?The Samsung Z1 customers can access the wonderful world of Internet, Apps and Social Networking on the 3G networks of Reliance Communications & Aircel. Users will get up to 500MB of 3G data free every month over a 6 month period allowing them to download & surf at will; thus make the fullest use of their Smartphone. With up to 3 GB of data over a 6 month period, Samsung has ensured tremendous & relevant value in the hands of the Samsung Z1 customer
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?About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
?Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies, redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, cameras, digital appliances, printers, medical equipment, network systems and semiconductors. We are also leading in the Internet of Things space through, among others, our Digital Health and Smart Home initiatives. We employ 307,000 people across 84 countries. To discover more, please visit our official website at www.samsung.com and our official blog at global.samsungtomorrow.com

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