Samsung dumps secret app platform project with Microsoft, rumours circulate of smart home and VR research focus

Samsung Electronics is looking to develop a smart home platform and virtual reality headset, while dumping an app platform it was secretly working on with Microsoft.

According to a report in South Korea’s Electronics Times, Samsung Electronics had been collaborating secretly on an app platform called JAMONG, which would allow apps to run across both Samsung’s Tizen and Microsoft’s Windows Phone operating systems.

While 30 South Korean companies had signed on to develop around 80 games for the platform, Samsung withdrew from the project at the end of last year.

The South Korean electronics giant has also been busy developing a ‘smart home’ platform and has entered talks with an unnamed Los Angeles-based audio equipment manufacturer, the Korea Times reports.

The partnership, which would see the US company’s equipment integrated into Samsung appliances, comes after a deal that saw Samsung’s rival, Apple, buy headphones manufacturer Beats.

The smart home push is designed to lessen the reliance of Samsung Group’s electronic components businesses on smartphone sales by Samsung Electronics.

A separate report, in Engadget claims Samsung is working on an Oculus Rift-style virtual reality headset, according to sources at the company.

It is unclear whether the virtual reality headset speculation is connected to the rumours out of South Korea, which surfaced earlier this month, claiming that Samsung is working on a Google Glass-style headset codenamed Gear Glass.

Meanwhile, Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo reports Samsung Group chairman Kun-hee Lee is now out of intensive care, following a recent heart attack that saw him hospitalised.

Lee is recovering in a general ward, but remains in an induced coma. Lee’s recent health issues have bought new urgency to succession talks in one of South Korea’s most powerful business families.