ZTE, Sprint, SoftBank join open source Tizen OS development

The Tizen Association is building an open source, cross-architecture platform for multiple purposes including mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, as well as in-vehicle infotainment systems and netbooks. The OS aims to be free of developer restrictions found on Android, iOS and Windows Phone in order to customize the system for end consumers. Launching with 36 members in November last year, the Tizen program — managed by the Linux Foundation — has pushed for partners in firms interested in contributing to the development of an operating system able to complete with Android and iOS.