Owners of the original Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch can now switch the device's operating system to the open source Tizen OS, a move that provides more evidence that Samsung is actively loosening its ties with Android.
The company's second round of smartwatches have always run on the Tizen operating system, however, the original model shipped with Android.
Users wanting to shift over to Tizen can do so immediately, but it's not a particularly straightforward process.
Before starting the switch, Galaxy Gear owners should backup all their apps and data, as the update will totally wipe the device.
Users will then need to download Samsung's Kies software, which lets the device communicate with their Mac or PC, and make sure the smartwatch is fully charged.
The next step is connecting the Galaxy Gear device to a computer using the USB cable normally used to charge the smartwatch, and then ensuring Kies has recognised the device by checking the left navigation menu, where it should be listed.
A window should then pop-up advising there is a firmware update available, which users should accept. This will be followed by a caution pop-up and an agreement that needs to be accepted for Samsung to collect and use information from the device.
Yet another pop-up will then appear, this time listing all the "improvements" in the firmware upgrade, which users must also agree to.
The update then finally commences - how long this takes depends on the user's connection speed.
The Galaxy Gear smartwatch will then need to be re-paired with the users' phone, and then all the data and apps backed up in the first step can be re-installed.
Full details of system requirements and what to download, as well as a picture guide, are available here.
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