When Samsung launched the Gear 2 and the Gear Fit smartwatches last month, it was widely believed that these devices are running the Tizen OS. However, it has now come to light that only the Gear 2 is running Tizen while the Gear Fit runs on real-time operating system or RTOS.

So what exactly does RTOS offer? Well, it’s a standard operating system programmed to do whatever the maker wants it to do. According to Samsung America’s Seshu Madhavapeddy, this has allowed the device to offer up to 3-4 days of battery life.

RTOS is tailor-made for a device like the Gear Fit which is essentially a fitness tracker that can also double as a smartwatch. Samsung has clearly worked closely with its team to make it stand out thanks to features like the built-in pulse monitor and the gorgeous curved display.

However on the flip side, the use of RTOS means that third party developers won’t be able to write applications for the smartwatch. But the option still remains open for the Gear 2 as it is based on Tizen.

So don’t expect any future apps or features to make its way to the Gear Fit if you’re planning to get one. But considering what the device can do out of the box, we don’t think many will complain.

• ViaSam Mobile