Samsung's latest Galaxy has been met with lukewarm reviews. You have to wonder why the company that had Apple (AAPL 0.06%) having to do battle for the first time since the iPhone was released didn't finish the job. Either Samsung could not, or possibly in chose to wait until it could rely on its own operating system rather than Google (GOOGL -4.08%) Android. With Tizen, the Samsung OS developed with Intel (INTC 0.75%) set to be released this summer, perhaps Samsung held back.
The release of Tizen has the potential to have far-reaching implications for several companies on several levels. While Google provides Android free of charge, many Asian carriers essentially work around the OS, including very little of the native Google functionality. The end result is often a case of a less-than-smooth user experience, a lack of access or control by the local wireless carriers, which leaves everyone wanting more.
Intel, which has been significantly affected by the continuing decline in PC sales, needs to become a much more meaningful force in mobile. While there has not been any specific release information to suggest that Intel chips will be included in Tizen-based smartphones, you must believe that as one of the driving forces behind the new OS, it is a probability. If Intel can win Samsung as a major supporter of its mobile chips, it could put Intel back on a growth trajectory that is much needed.
It is against the backdrop of the pending release of the new OS that the new Galaxy S4 must be evaluated. In the video below, Fool.com contributor Doug Ehrman discusses the reception that the Galaxy S4 has received and why it may indicate that the next big thing isn't actually here yet.
