Meet The First Firefox OS Phones: Keon And Peak

Mozilla has declared a cooperation with Language start-up Geeksphone for two cellular mobile phones that run the HTML-5 centered Mozilla OS. The free application application group had declared previously at CES that they will be prepared with the OS in two-three several weeks.

GeekPhone's Keon and Optimum are Mozilla OS-running cellular mobile phones that are particularly designed with app developers and developers in mind. The supports of both cellular phones are brandished with the terms Mozilla OS Designer Review. Mozilla desires that getting two developer version gadgets out will help facilitate the procedure of developing an app environment before the future formal release of the OS.

The Keon, which will be available in Mozilla’s attribute lemon color, has specifications that belie its smart phone origins. It is operated by a single-core 1GHz Snapdragon S1 from Qualcomm, has 512MB of RAM and 4GB of on board storage space. It activities a 3.5” show with a 480 x 320 quality, placing it directly in the low-end classification. It also has a 3 mega-pixel photographic camera (no show, though) and Wi-Fi/3G antennas. 

The other system Optimum is predicted to deliver in a flat white-colored body. Although its specifications are not interesting by any indicates, the Optimum is predicted to be a more highly effective system as it is depending on an unspecified 1.2GHz dual-core Snapdragon S4 SoC. Presently, neither Mozilla nor Geeksphone has declared whether the cores are underclocked Kraits or of the aging Cortex-A5 wide range. The smart phone has a 4.3-inch qHD show with a 960 x 540 quality. On the back is an 8 mega-pixel camera, associated with a show and there happens to be 2 mega-pixel front-facing photographic camera as well. Just like the Keon, the Optimum has 512MB of RAM and 4GB of storage space.

As of now, there are no company information on the cost or accessibility for the Optimum, but Mozilla considers the first groups of Keon will be delivered out by next 30 days. The great thing is that one will not have to invest big dollars to area their arms on one of these beginning versions. Geeksphone statements the cellular phones will come with a cost tag “you could never have imagined” and their Tweets consideration said they will give more information about the “price and the provision during the next weeks”. So anticipate both designs to be competitively-priced.

Mozilla is also welcoming developers to Mozilla OS App Days, where they will have to be able to understand, crack and create applications for the Mozilla OS. The Mozilla Hackers website goes on to say, “Technologists and developers from the Mozilla group will existing resources and technological innovation designed to boost and assistance the Web foundation, such as cellular Web APIs to accessibility system components functions such as the accelerometer.”

Firefox OS uses a web system, eschewing exclusive systems and developers (and gradually, users) can accessibility information and applications across several gadgets. Mozilla has also launched a Mozilla OS simulation that allows developers to analyze out their HTML5, CSS and Javascript app.

Our latest study (it's still open) requested visitors which future OS they are more likely to choose over iOS and Android operating system. One of four options, Mozilla OS rests in second place with 15 % of all ballots.

Posted by Unknown Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Mozilla Stresses Privacy While Testing New Social API In Firefox

Summary: Mozilla is testing a new API designed to connect Firefox better with social networks while asserting that it is keeping privacy in mind.

As part of the newest try out edition of Firefox, Mozilla is examining a new public API for the purpose of better linking and developing public media sites with the web browser.

Essentially, Mozilla is trying to bring public media functions to the individual without the individual having to always log in and fill the public system's website first. It's a way to prepare all of those force announcements and talk information straight into the web browser.

While developing public media sites in anyway possible is the anger these days, so is the subject of comfort and how this could slow down that.

Tom Lowenthal, who protects comfort and public policy on Mozilla's Privacy Blog, had written in a publish on Thursday that the new public functions are "completely opt-in" and are impaired until a individual trips a online community and elects to turn these functions on first.

    Once allowed, Firefox plenty several webpages from your online community over secure relationships. These webpages are handled just as if you would packed them in another web browser tab. They discuss biscuits and other information like normal but they don’t get any special therapy or additional information from Firefox, nor is information about your public activities sent to Mozilla. Facebook or myspace, for example, will know that you have turned on the feature and packed the webpages, just as if you had frequented the website.

Lowenthal mentioned the suggestions option as an example of where the web browser could offer better comfort than the online community itself.

    If we put this performance in Firefox instead, you can still communicate with your online community and discuss webpages, but without the potential monitoring by the public media sites. It also allows you to discuss webpages even if that page does not include public discussing icons. The suggest option in the URL bar — for Facebook or myspace, it’s a Like option — only delivers the page’s URL to your online community when you click on it.

Being that it was introduced a number of times in the publish, it is no shock that Facebook or myspace is the first online community applying Mozilla's new public API.

The statement of the public API follows the release of the Firefox Industry last week, with Android operating system device owners and designers getting a first break at the digital store.

 

Posted by Unknown Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Firefox Bits App Store To Brave Android Users

Summary: Mozilla has opened its Firefox Marketplace app store for the first time in its latest test Aurora build of the browser for Android, asking early adopters and developers for their feedback.

Mozilla has opened its Firefox Marketplace, with Android device owners and developers getting the first access to the browser's app store.

 The access came on Friday, in the discharge of the latest 'Aurora' develop of Chrome for Android operating system. Aurora is meant for designers and beginning adopters, as it is the test flow of Mozilla's web browser. The store lets people and install web programs delivered via the web browser, and gives designers a position to promote their programs.

"We're hoping that Aurora users, our awesome beginning adopters, will go experience the Chrome Industry on their Android operating system phones and let us know what they think," Mozilla Laboratories technological innovation manager Bill Master said in a writing.

"Our goal is to gather as much real-life reviews as possible about the Marketplace's design, functionality, performance, stability, and content."

A several programs are already in position for examining, including Twitter and Soundcloud, Mozilla said.

"We designed the Chrome Industry to allow designers to develop, spread and monetise rich, immersive programs that use web technology like HTML, JavaScript and CSS," Mozilla had written in a launch publish.

The Industry program was designed this year, and designers began posting programs in Feb.

"It's still beginning for Chrome Industry Aurora — we'll be adding payments, scores, reviews and more soon — keep tuned in," Mozilla said.

As Aurora is the designs' development version of the web browser, it is modified frequently and may sometimes break. Mozilla said it desires to follow with a Industry for the Chrome web browser try out and Chrome OS releases next year.

Posted by Unknown Friday, October 19, 2012

Mozilla Shows Off Firefox OS Build On A ZTE Phone

Back in July, Mozilla declared that its cellular os, formally known as Mozilla Firefox OS, would be put into some low end cellular mobile phones starting in early 2013 in South america. The OS is depending on HTML5, the same terminology used to make websites and other programs.

Now videos clip has been published to the formal Chrome route displaying off the functions of Mozilla OS running on a designer phone by China producer ZTE, which you can view below.



The display, which was registered last Thrusday and submitted on Friday, reveals the contacting abilities, connections list, Mozilla Firefox web browser, exclusive key pad, digital camera, images collection, and Industry app for finding and installing additional software.

The movie also reveals an example of an app called Galactians2 by Space Creature Games being set up from the Industry (jump to 2.45) and then being released.

The big promoting feature for Mozilla Firefox OS is not only that it's free, all of its functions, such as texting, contacting, programs and more, will be depending on HTML5. Mozilla states:

    "Due to the search engine marketing of the foundation for entry-level cellular mobile phones and the elimination of needless middleware levels, cellular providers will have the ability to offer wealthier encounters at a variety of prices such as at the low end of the smart phone cost variety, assisting to drive adopting across creating marketplaces,"

You can also get in on the action, Mozilla is enabling anyone with a Microsoft windows, Linux system or Mac PC to check out and even test creates of Mozilla Firefox OS.

You can download the Firefox OS daily desktop builds right now. Head over to the Gaia Hacking Wiki page for instructions on how to set up your PC to install it.

Update: As some of the comments are already pointing out, the OS is laggy and choppy, but it is designed for low end phones, so don't expect much!

Posted by Unknown Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Firefox OS Marketplace Screenshots Surface

Mozilla had declared the Chrome OS at the starting of September this season and mentioned that they had been working on a "Boot to Gecko" venture, which is generally a cellular os that is based on the Web and HTML5. Towards the end of the 30 days, the product declared the option the Chrome OS every night creates, which are available for examining from the Mozilla website. The newest information regarding this future os comes via Engadget in the form of some screenshots of the cellular Chrome Market.

A repor by Jon Fingas declares, “From what we've seen of the present shop, it's a considerable crack from the top-level store we saw back in the Start to Gecko days, in addition to Mozilla Market on the pc. The further discovery reveals a simple shop that's targeted on quickly sampling into individual groups rather than an large quantity of outlined programs. We're not seeing any stunning details -- there's only free programs noticeable in these starting pictures, for example -- but the collection is evidence that Mozilla is well on its way to fleshing out the primary of its OS for a release next season.”
For those not in the know, the Chrome OS for cellular mobile phone gadgets is designed on Mozilla’s “Boot to Gecko" venture, which opens many of the present restrictions of web growth on cellular, enabling HTML5 programs to accessibility the actual abilities of a mobile phone that were formerly only available to local programs. Telefónica’s Electronic device had connected with Mozilla starting this season to take this work and display a new mobile phone structure where every mobile phone function, such as contacting, texting, games, etc., is an HTML5 program.

Mozilla statements that due to the optimization of the foundation for entry-level mobile phones and the elimination of needless middleware levels, cellular providers will have the capability to offer wealthier encounters at a variety of prices, such as at the low-end of the smart mobile phone budget, assisting to generate adopting across creating marketplaces. Mozilla and all other members are dedicated to guaranteeing the venture is completely start and the referrals execution of the required Web APIs is being posted to W3C for standardisation.

Speaking at the statement, H Kovacs, CEO, Mozilla, said, “The release of the start cellular OS carries on the Mozilla objective to market visibility, advancement and chance on the Web for customers and designers.  As immeasureable customers are required to come online for the first time in in the future, it is important to provide a powerful smart mobile phone encounter that anyone can use. The high number of providers and producers now assisting this attempt will carry additional sources and variety to our international promotions.”

Also leaving comments at the statement of the Chrome OS, Matthew Key, Chair and CEO of Telefónica Electronic said, “Firefox OS will carry a better smart mobile phone encounter to a higher percentage of the inhabitants at a more affordable. This is essential for us to speed up the adopting of mobile phones in creating marketplaces. The depth of assistance for this attempt across the market makes it clear that there is an chance in the market for a new, start cellular environment.”

Posted by Unknown Tuesday, September 04, 2012

Could The iOS App Be The 21st-Century HyperCard Stack?

Summary: Longtime Mac fans are celebrating the 25th anniversary of HyperCard, Apple's groundbreaking rich-media content platform. But what format has replaced it?

HyperCard was awesome, especially when we keep in mind what processing was like later. It was certainly the first popular hypermedia system available on the industry. It mixed information source features in "cards" that reinforced clickable areas that could weblink to another card, or play an A/V information file, or perform some operate, or even launch en exterior system. The selection of cards was known as a "stack." Even better, the material was developed in HyperTalk, an object-oriented scripting terminology that was targeted at the beginner designer.

Yes, it was Mac-only and originally developed for the small, black and white display of the Mac Plus. But you can't think about the impact this system made. It was the long run of processing, hypermedia, but in the arms of anyone. There were children guides published in HyperTalk. Media headings mixed songs, poems, video games, questions and training. Amazing.

Remember that later, PC customers were still operating MS-DOS in the control line. The globe was published text and more published text. The Mac with its visual windowing atmosphere was regarded heretical for business processing. And it had HyperCard.

A Mac period of time Mac programmer occurred to make me the a week ago about HyperCard:

    The other historical-slant tale I've been enthusiastic about lately is the almost complete deficiency of skill the present creation of teen-and-twenty-something manufacturers and technical engineers have with HyperCard. It is incredible to me that there is so much inexperienced reinvention going on, when if HyperCard was at least involved as part of the record of processing program, there would be some more shoulder-standing going on.
But what's the present option for rich-media development today? HTML5? After all, it contains new <audio> and <video> labels and aims to make a wealthy atmosphere that can run on a wide range of systems. And it's all over the web.

Or perhaps some tastes of PDF might be the option of posting or educational experts. Acrobat can handle a wide range of wealthy press, Display incorporation, press and programatic components and various features. So, it certainly fills up the invoice, although the full foundation doesn't run unaltered on iOS or most cellular systems.

But I would recommend that iOS applications seem to best fit the invoice as the contemporary selection. The applications are self involved and can referrals inner and exterior sources. Many individuals and companies are providing guides and other powerful referrals works in the structure. And as of the end of Goal, there were some 365 thousand gadgets that can run an app. It all can handle.

I offer a few HyperCard memories:

Upgrades. I keep in mind participating a conference of the Berkeley The apple company Individual Team in 1986, around enough duration of the Mac Plus and before the discharge of HyperCard. The then head of the team Reese Jackson, now a project naturalist, noticed that anyone requiring more storage space potential than the 20MB hard drive generate (yes, that's megabyte) that delivered with the Mac Plus must be a software buccaneer. Following the discharge of HyperCard, that saying modified as everyone desired to entry to rich-media material (okay, the appearance of CD-ROMs helped).

Early Mac adopters were captured a bit flat-footed by the storage space specifications of HyperCard: One Mb. Wow! However, I had purchased a Fat Mac, a 512K design. So, with the cost of RAM in those days, hard-soldered on the reasoning panel, I invested $1,000 for an additional 512K update card (yes, kilobytes) to run HyperCard later. And I purchased a 300MB hard drive generate (also charging $1,000) for my then Mac IIci just a season or two latter.

Smut Stack. One of the first professional piles available at the discharge of HyperCard was Smut Stack, a entertaining selection (if you were in 6th grade) of pictures that had somewhat sexy pictures that would make laugh, present a pop-up picture, or a fart audio when the audience visited on them. The writer was Throw Farnham of Chuck's Strange World popularity.

How did he do it? After all, HyperCard was a significant key down at Cupertino, even then before the walls of peaceful atmosphere went up around The apple company.

It seems that Farnham was strolling around the San Jose flea industry in the springtime of 1987 and identified a couple of used Apples on the market. He was informed that they were damaged. Carting them home, he got them operating and found several beginning creates of HyperCard as well as its development atmosphere. Sleeping around with the system, he was able to develop the Smut Stack, which available out at the Birkenstock boston Macworld Expo, being one of the only professional piles available at the show.

HyperCard also experienced one of the first malware strikes. It was launched in 1988 and known as the HyperAvenger malware. It was published by a youngster as a nuisance malware and mostly “harmless” since no real harm was done to hard drive or information. But since there were no professional anti-virus applications, the elimination was mostly guide. The malware shown the message:

    “Greetings from the HyperAvenger! I am the first HyperCard malware ever. I was developed by a sexy 14-year-old, and am completely simple. Dukakis for Chief executive in ’88, Serenity on World, and have a awesome day.”

 

Posted by Unknown Monday, August 13, 2012

Firefox OS Is Fast, Open And Commercial – Brendan Eich

Mozilla’s cellular foundation Mozilla OS is resulting in a mix. What TechWeekEurope has seen so far indicates a serious bid for app programmer assistance, but brought up further concerns – we took them up with Mozilla’s primary technological innovation official.

Mozilla wants tens of a huge number of designers for Mozilla OS, the new name for the Start to Gecko venture. It now has assistance from providers such as Telefónica, the O2 proprietor that lately revealed off a design and programs to release Mozilla mobile phones in Latina The united states.

Mozilla European countries go Tristan Nitot  informed us designers would want to perform with the foundation, and a set of screenshots supported up his statements. However, some concerns stayed in our mind.

Can a system as start as Mozilla run quick enough and will designers actually be able to monetise their apps? And if the concept is to create in HTML5, just didn't HP’s WebOS try that already?

Mozilla’s CTO and designer of the JavaScript development terminology, Brendan Eich, was type enough to response our concerns.

Is Mozilla OS fast?

FirefoxOS_HomeHow good is the efficiency of HTML5 apps?  Can HTML5/JavaScript contest with Purpose C?
We believe that the Web is the foundation and with the Mozilla OS, we’ve designed the techniques and APIs to make the Web a wealthy and practical choice for program designers.

To time frame, these applications on cellular have been organised back because they cannot accessibility the device’s actual abilities as local applications can. Mozilla’s Mozilla OS venture triumphs over these restrictions and provides the necessary APIs to demonstrate how it is possible to run an whole system using start requirements.

Performance of JavaScript has enhanced in your order of scale in the last several years. We will work on approximating secure local value efficiency for certain applications such as 3D games – you can examine out the BananaBread trial I provided at Smooth TXJS

Also, neither JavaScript nor Objective-C rules the crucial direction for web applications… the quick tracks are often covered with customized C++ value published to deal with HTML mark-up parsing, CSS structure, DOM [Document Item Model] adjustment, etc. JavaScript is only part of the tale and not straight similar to Objective-C in Apple’s local collection.

Is it commercial?

Can the Mozilla Industry allow designers to monetise their work?
The Mozilla Industry will offer designers development, circulation and monetisation possibilities and will also be customisable by associates.

For example, Telefónica will offer direct-to-bill abilities in it, in situation app shop keepers would like to expenses Telefónica clients straight. But app designers are totally able to use their own asking for techniques if they want. Research our Industry Expenses Information for further information of how payments perform.

Is it more complicated to control and cost for a item of HTML5 code?
No, it’s not more complicated to control and cost for a item of HTML5 value, simply because such value is usually compacted, minified (if JavaScript) and optimized to be un-readable. Coffee value in Operating system applications is no more limited. Usually capability to cost for an app does not rely on covering the binary or higher-level value that is presented as the exe program for that program. Charging is determined by many aspects, such as assistance incorporation, go forums and new stages for games.

And just didn't WebOS already try this?

How does Mozilla OS change from Palm/HP’s WebOS, and why will this be successful where WebOS failed?
At the center of Mozilla OS is Mozilla’s Start to Gecko, which has always been start and no cost. The Open Web System is also using a Linux system Kernel (the same one used by Operating system devices) which is also start. This is a 100 precent start venture where, for example, providers and OEMs can definitely and freely give rise to the value, instead of Mozilla creating inner and making value falls available.

WebOS did not standardise or develop on web requirements, instead creating another exclusive huge structure. WebOS also experienced inner competitors with an mature, non-Web (Java-based) OS.

Mozilla has led the way on standardising losing APIs required to run web applications on a smartphone. You can find more information on this here: http://brendaneich.com/2012/02/mobile-web-api-evolution/

Posted by Unknown Friday, July 27, 2012

In Coming 2013 Firefox Mobile OS Breaks Cover

Mozilla, the makers of Chrome, are about to get into a flourishing market with a new cellular OS. The OS is depending on A a linux program systemunix system unix and Gecko and contains everything you would estimate from a contemporary foundation.

Mozilla statements that the OS will be brighter and quicker than what is available and that it will be more start than Os. You can take a look at the display injections below and let us know what you think in content.

Mozilla is coming into a complex market with Microsoft windows Cell cellphone, iOS, Os, Blackberry cellular phones cellular mobile cellular phones cellular cellular cellular phones and others who are currently battling for their discuss of the pie. Seeing as Ms, Search engines and The the apple company company organization all add immeasureable money in to their cellular OS, Mozilla will have to discover a contemporary way to entice designers and customers to their foundation.

Firefox OS is set to hit the market in 2013 in Latina The usa of the united states and could spread beyond that to European countries in the long run.

Seeing as this is a new OS in a very flourishing market, we wish the best for Mozilla but understanding that the juggernauts in the market are also battling gradually for company, Mozilla has its perform cut out.

Posted by Unknown Thursday, July 19, 2012

Mozilla Releases Firefox 14, It Supposts Full Screen To Macs

Early last month, Mozilla had formally launched Chrome 13, which was a significant update and following up on that build, Mozilla have lately declared the option Chrome 14. Though the update may not be as popular as that of Chrome 13, Mozilla has added a many new functions in this newest update, with concern given to security.

As per a writing, Mozilla declares, “Firefox has new functions that create surfing around more protected and Web programs like games more highly effective.” It declares that it Chrome instantly protects Look for applications queries to protected a customer's data from possibly spying eyes such as network staff, when using public or distributed Wi-Fi systems. Look for applications is currently the only search engine optimization that allows Chrome to create a customer's queries private, but Mozilla is looking forward to assisting additional google with this feature in the future.

 

The brand also goes on to state that Firefox makes it much simpler to see a site's confirmed identification by changing the way that a user shows the symbol to the left of the URL. They add, “For designers, Firefox now can handle Suggestion Secure API to allow programs, such as first-person games to better control the rabbit. Firefox now can handle local full screen function on OS X Lion 10.7 for a better encounter with video clips and Web games like Mozilla’s BrowserQuest.”

Commenting on the newest edition of Firefox, a review by The Inquirer declares, “It mentioned its own HTML5 Browserquest game as an example of enhanced efficiency. With HTML5 predicted to become the markup language of choice for web-based games designers, it seems a very fun for Firefox to back up it. Since Mozilla has put Firefox on its six-week fast launch routine the company has come in for music critique, with some people within Mozilla's programmer group asking whether the shift has led to customers rushing to Firefox. Although Mozilla has created an prolonged assistance launch of Firefox, the problems Mozilla has had getting customers to obtain and set up the standard edition recommend that only the most informed customers will shift to the long-term launch.”

To obtain the newest edition of Firefox, follow the link here.

If you are in the dark about what Firefox 13 was about, here is a quick insight: Firefox 13 made it quicker and simpler to get where one wants to go on the Web with a remodeled House Web page and New Tab encounter. The House Web page now contains symbols at the bottom of the page to give one quick access to favorites, history, configurations, add-ons, downloading and synchronize choices with one-click strategies. When one reveals a new tab, they will see pictures of their most lately and frequently frequented websites. One can change the New Tab page by including or eliminating pictures depending on where they go the most.

Mozilla stated that it now can handle SPDY by standard to make surfing around more secure. They describe by declaring, “SPDY is a method designed as a heir to HTTP that decreases how long it takes for websites to fill. You will notice quicker page loading time on websites that assistance SPDY marketing, like Google and Tweets.”

Posted by Unknown Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Firefox OS Could Be Better & Cheaper Than Android

The first device with Firefox OSwill cost less than $100 (Rs 5,500). This was revealed by Matthew Key, the chief operating officer of Telefonica, a telecom operator which will be using Mozilla's upcoming mobile operating system that was announced recently. He also revealed that Brazil will be the first country to receive the device, which will arrive before March 2013 and will be manufactured by Alcatel and ZTE.

Key also said, "The operating system will be better and cheaper than the Android operating system from Google, and will also address update and fragmentation issues that plague Android."

The operating system will be able to reach most parts of the world since its official roll out as prominent operators have said that they will render support to it. These include the likes of like Deutsche Telekom, Etisalat, Smart, Sprint, Telecom Italia, Telefonica and Telenor (Uninor in India).

During the Mobile World Congress in February 2012, Mozilla had said that it will launch its own HTML5-based mobile OS for smartphones. The upcoming OS, which was earlier called Boot To Gecko, will be an open platform, wherein the HTML5 based apps will be able to access functions like calling.

Even though Google's Android OS also has HTML5-compatible apps, they cannot access such core functions the same way that stock apps can. This flexibility in the platform will mean that the web apps will be compatible with all editions of the OS, including the most recent ones.

Since the apps will run on the cloud, the devices running Firefox OS will not need expensive hardware, thereby lowering the price of the smartphone without affecting its features. Moreover, the HTML5 support will attract developers since most developers are already well versed with this web standard.

Phones running on Firefox OS will have all the standard features, such as camera, Bluetooth, USB port and Near Field Communication. The platform will be made available for others after W3C will assess and approve the web API standardisation.

We had reported earlier about Mozilla announcing its own operating system for smartphones, Firefox OS, and now we’ve got more information about what this new OS has to offer. The head of Telefonica O2 Europe recently stated  that this OS, dubbed as Boot to Gecko, is as good as Android, in addition to being cheaper. While speaking at the Telefonica Digital conference in London, CEO Matthew Key was keen to point out that the majority of handsets in the market are overly relying on Google’s operating system and he has encouraged other networks to join O2 and its partners to give the project a much needed boost. “The first handset cost is sub-$100 and will be launched before Q1 in Brazil. We can produce the same experience on Android cheaper, or a better experience at the same price,” he said.

Now that is definitely an interesting price tag for a phone, but no specific details have been provided on the specs of the handset. We’re hoping it’s nothing less than what the average droid has on board. Taking into account the end-user perspective, he also went on to point out the fragmentation issues that most of us are facing as most smartphones are not eligible for a software update if it's been a while since their launch.

For those not in the know, this operating system is aimed at powering smartphones built entirely on open Web standards, where all of the device’s features can be developed as HTML5 applications. The Firefox OS for mobile devices is built on Mozilla’s “Boot to Gecko" project, which unlocks many of the current limitations of web development on mobile, allowing HTML5 applications to access the underlying capabilities of a phone that were previously only available to native applications. Telefónica’s Digital unit had partnered with Mozilla early this year to take up this work and showcase a new phone architecture where every phone feature like calling, messaging, games, etc. is an HTML5 application.

During the unveiling, Mozilla stated: "Mapping to key Firefox footprints around the globe, leading operators such as Deutsche Telekom, Etisalat, Smart, Sprint, Telecom Italia, Telefónica and Telenor are backing the open Firefox OS as an exciting new entrant to the smartphone marketplace. They have also identified the potential of the technology to deliver compelling smartphone experiences at attainable prices."

Mozilla claims that due to the optimization of the platform for entry-level smartphones and the removal of unnecessary middleware layers, mobile operators will have the ability to offer richer experiences at a range of price points, including at the low-end of the smartphone price range; helping drive adoption across developing markets. Mozilla and other participants are committed to ensuring the project is fully open and the reference implementation of the required Web APIs is being submitted to W3C for standardization.

While all of this sounds really good, the key threats the company is facing is that of having mammoth competitors to face. New platforms have been launched time and again, but not many are successful and a lot of them have been shelved mid-way. “We don't underestimate the size of the task,” Key acknowledged. “There have been many new OSes launched and most have them have failed.”

Well, it seems 2013 will be an interesting year for Mozilla.

The first phone using Firefox operating system will be priced below Rs 5,500 and will be launched before March 2013 in Brazil.

Mozilla had earlier announced that smartphones based on Firefox OS will arrive in early 2013. Now the chief operating officer of Telefonica (a telecom operator supporting the OS,) Matthew Key, has said that the first device to ship with the OS will be a sub $100 (Rs 5,500) phone, and will be launched in Brazil before March 2013.

He added, "The operating system will be better and cheaper than the Android operating system from Google, and will also address update and fragmentation issues that plague Android."

The first devices will be made by Alcatel and ZTE. Mozilla shared plans to introduce an HTML5 based mobile operating system for smartphones back in February 2012 at the Mobile World Congress. Previously known as the Boot To Gecko project, it is now called Firefox OS.

Since the OS is based on the HTML5 web standard with HTML5 applications having access to even core functionalities like calling, it will be a very open platform. Though Android OS also supports HTML5 applications, they do not have as free access to core features of the phone as native applications do. This means that applications developed for Firefox operating system will work on all versions of the OS, even the latest.

Support for web apps will also mean that the device will not require expensive hardware as the apps will run on the cloud, reducing the cost of devices without compromising on features.

Support for HTML5 will ensure that it will have developer support, as most developers already have HTML5 capability.

Firefox OS will support the regular set of features - camera, Bluetooth, USB port, and even Near Field Communication. Mozilla will open up the platform for others after the web APIs standardisation has been checked and approved by the W3C.

Gary Kovacs, chief executive officer, Mozilla, said, "The introduction of the open mobile OS continues the Mozilla mission to promote openness, innovation and opportunity on the web for users and developers. As billions of users are expected to come online for the first time in the coming years, it is important to deliver a compelling smartphone experience that anyone can use."

Leading operators such as Deutsche Telekom, Etisalat, Smart, Sprint, Telecom Italia, Telefónica and Telenor (Uninor in India) have announced support for this new operating system. This is likely to ensure that smartphones with Firefox OS will have access to most markets in the world right from the beginning.

Posted by Unknown Wednesday, July 11, 2012