Samsung has adapted the Tizen OS for the open-source RISC-V CPU architecture. This move allows developers to get closer to launching Tizen smart devices that utilize royalty-free CPUs.
Understanding CPU Architectures
Typical CPU architectures found in computers and smart devices from major companies like Apple, AMD, ARM, and Intel are burdened with numerous patents that restrict royalty-free, open-source usage. Companies that produce compatible CPUs are required to pay licensing fees, which raise the overall costs of smart devices. This system also obstructs the ability for others to create their own versions freely. In contrast, the RISC-V royalty-free open-source architecture removes these licensing fees and development barriers.
For readers interested in exploring RISC-V software development without spending much, the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 is available for purchase on Amazon.
Samsung's Engagement with RISC-V
In 2023, Samsung became part of the RISE (RISC-V Software Ecosystem) project to help enhance the RISC-V software landscape. The announcement regarding Tizen OS for RISC-V was made on October 4 during Samsung's annual Developer Conference (SDC). Additionally, the company revealed that it has also ported Flutter, an open-source UI framework created by Google, to Tizen OS on RISC-V. A developer SDK for Tizen OS is anticipated to be released in 2026.
Highlights from the Samsung Developer Conference
On October 4, 2024, Samsung Electronics held its yearly Developer Conference (SDC) at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center. This event marked ten years of teamwork and advancement with developers, during which the company outlined its goal of delivering a more tailored and secure experience through the latest multi-device AI technologies under the theme "AI for All."
With approximately 3,000 developers, partners, and media present, Jong-Hee (JH) Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics, stated, “We have continued our journey of innovation with our many developers and partners for the last ten years,” emphasizing the need for open collaboration to enhance competitiveness and foster mutual growth in the current AI-driven landscape.
Future Vision and Commitment
JH provided more insights into the company’s dedication to utilizing AI technology for improved security, enhanced personalization, better family care experiences, and new opportunities in the B2B sector. “Samsung Electronics will keep pushing AI technology to a point where it automatically recognizes each user—based on their voice and location—creating a more personalized interaction,” he clarified. “These initiatives will lead to more convenient and secure experiences across multiple devices by utilizing Samsung’s AI-driven software, platform innovations, and security technologies.”
Moreover, the company disclosed plans to unify the software experience across its primary product lines—including mobile devices, televisions, and home appliances—under the banner of One UI in the following year. By ensuring a unified product experience and committing to software updates for as long as seven years, Samsung aims to drive continued innovation for its customers.
To fulfill its vision of AI for All, Samsung will also focus on creating AI solutions for good, enabling innovators to harness new technologies to tackle societal challenges and build a better future for the next generations.
