Samsung Galaxy Gear Update to Tizen OS Starts Rolling-Out in the US

Samsung, as promised in May, has started rolling out Tizen OS update for its first-generation Galaxy Gear smartwatch. The update is currently available in the US only, while there is no word when the Tizen OS update for the Galaxy Gear will reach other regions.

The company announced the news via its Samsung US Press official site and said, "Owners of the original Samsung Galaxy Gear are now able to update their devices to the new Tizen-based Gear software used in the newest generation of Gear 2 devices."

The South Korean clearly notes that the Tizen OS update for the Android-based Galaxy Gear smartwatch users is optional. However, the company confirmed that once updated to Tizen; the Galaxy Gear smartwatch cannot be reverted to the original Android-based system. The Tizen update is available via Kies 3.0 software and brings a number of features to the Galaxy Gear.

Notably, the Tizen update for the Galaxy Gear brings goodies from the company's second generation Gear smartwatch. "By updating the Galaxy Gear to Tizen OS, users will have access to more apps, about 140 apps worldwide available for Tizen OS - nearly twice what is currently available on the Galaxy Gear," added the company.

Other new features include music enhancements (found on the Gear 2), which will allow Galaxy Gear users to store music on the smartwatch and will offer an option to play them directly from the device through Bluetooth headphones, without the need of any Galaxy smartphone.

The Tizen OS update for the Galaxy Gear brings an improved interface with customisation options for fonts, wallpapers, and home screen icons among others.

The company also claimed that update improves the Galaxy Gear smartwatch's fitness and health functionalities, apart from delivering an enhanced battery life. The Galaxy Gear smartwatch was launched at IFA last year.

Samsung launched its second generation Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo wearable devices this year, based on Tizen. For those unaware, the new Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo come with heart rate sensors, pedometers and various tools to measure exercise, sleep and stress levels.

In April the company, in an attempt to lure developers, offered a $1.25 million prize for its Gear App Challenge.