limofoundation.org

LiMo & Tizen FAQs

On 28 September, Linux Foundation and limofoundation.org announced they have brought together key industry players to develop and deliver an open source, standards-based software platform called Tizen.  Following is a FAQ detailing the project.

Additional questions for LiMo should be addressed to


What is Tizen?
Tizen will deliver a complete cross-device, open soure software platform, including an operating system and a trnasparent and immediate user experience. It will also deliver comprehensive HTML5 and WAC API implementations and toolkits so as to help developers maximize code re-use multiple operating systems, app stores and devices while also taking advantage of native device and platform capabilities.


What is the overall value proposition of Tizen?
The overall value proposition consists of four key pillars: 1) utilization of HTML5 and mobile web standards for app development, 2) a truly open software ecosystem, 3) innovation and differentiation offered to ecosystem partners and, 4) the solid backing of key industry leaders.


When will the Tizen release be available?
The initial release of Tizen is expected in Q1 to help enable the first devices in market.


What makes Tizen different from other mobile platforms?
Tizen is a new open-source web-centric platform which supports advanced web applications, such as HTML5 and WAC. Tizen meets the mobile industry's desire for a unified mobile Linux platform built on moarket-tested technologies that is openly governed and adheres to open source principles. As Tizen will establish a third and truly independent mobile ecosystem we believe that it will attract more operators, service providers, vendors and developers.


Is Tizen targeted beyond mobile devices?
Yes, Tizen is an ioen source, standards-based, cross-architecture software platform for multiple categories including smartphones, tablets, TVs, netbooks and automotive infotainment.


How does Tizen relate to MeeGo and LiMo?
Tizen builds upon best practices and technologies from MeeGo and LiMo to deliver a complete cross-device open source software platform and will result in broader, stronger ecosystem support from leading service providers and OEMs. Intel will be working with partners to help them transistion from MeeGo to Tizen. In order to enable successful transition, sustainng engineering support will continue for MeeGo v1.1 and v1.2 releases into. Intel will fold its ongoing MeeGo development efforts into the new Tizen project.


What are the key differences between MeeGo, LiMo and Tizen?
The key differences are Tizen's comprehensive, standards-based HTML5 application solution, broader industry support and a hardened mobile device stack.


What mobile web technologies will be supported in Tizen platform?
Tizen will support HTML5, which is a key componenet in a set of standards-based "Open Web" APIs based upon W3C standards which also include JavaScript, XML, Ajax and CSS as well as APIs from industry iniatives such as the Wholesale Application Community (WAC) which developed the WAC 2.0 spec to enable cross-OS, cross-platform mobile apps.


Why was the Tizen name chosen? What does it mean?
Ti-zen (pronounced ˈtī- zən) is a crisp, strong name that matches the scope and capabilities of this new open source operating system. The name was created by combining the connectivity of “tie,” the activity of “rise” and the meditative qualities of “Zen.”  Together, the name represents an operating system that works with you and gives you the easiest access to your mobile life.