Mozila has today announced that it has now renamed its Boot2Gecko mobile HTML5 based mobile operating system to Firefox OS, showing the new operating system is moving closer to launch.
Mozila has also announced partnerships with six carriers who are going to manufacture handsets ready to start running the new Firefox OS operating system, once it is officially launched.
These include Sprint, Telefonica, Deutsche Telekom, Etisalat, Smart and Telenor, as well as partnerships with two device manufacturers TCL Communication Technology and TZE.
Innovative Features of Firefox OS
“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, previously only available to native applications. Telefonica’s Digital unit joined forces with Mozilla earlier this year to take this work and showcase a new phone architecture where every phone feature (calling, messaging, games, etc.) is an HTML5 application.”
The Firefox OS aims to revolutionize the mobile operating system landscape by leveraging the power of HTML5. This means that developers can create applications using standard web technologies, which can then access the phone’s hardware features such as the camera, GPS, and accelerometer. This approach not only simplifies the development process but also ensures that applications are lightweight and can run smoothly on a variety of hardware configurations.
Partnerships and Market Strategy
Mozilla’s strategy to partner with major carriers and manufacturers is a significant step towards ensuring the success of Firefox OS. By collaborating with Sprint, Telefonica, Deutsche Telekom, Etisalat, Smart, and Telenor, Mozilla is positioning itself to reach a broad audience across different regions. These partnerships are crucial as they provide the necessary infrastructure and market reach to introduce Firefox OS to consumers worldwide.
Additionally, the involvement of device manufacturers like TCL Communication Technology and TZE indicates that there will be a range of devices available at launch. This variety will cater to different market segments, from budget-friendly options to more premium devices, ensuring that Firefox OS can appeal to a wide demographic.
Mozilla hopes to have the new handsets in stores by the end of this year, or early into 2013. Unfortunately, no information on pricing or worldwide availability has been released as yet, but as soon as information comes to light we will keep you updated as always.
Potential Impact on the Mobile Industry
The introduction of Firefox OS could have a significant impact on the mobile industry. By providing an open-source alternative to existing operating systems like Android and iOS, Firefox OS promotes competition and innovation. This could lead to more affordable smartphones, as manufacturers and carriers will have more options and flexibility in their offerings.
Moreover, the focus on HTML5 applications aligns with the growing trend towards web-based services and cloud computing. As more applications and services move to the cloud, having an operating system that is optimized for web technologies becomes increasingly relevant. This could potentially attract developers who are already familiar with web development, thereby expanding the ecosystem of applications available for Firefox OS.
In conclusion, Mozilla’s announcement of Firefox OS marks an exciting development in the mobile operating system market. With its innovative use of HTML5 and strong partnerships with carriers and manufacturers, Firefox OS has the potential to offer a compelling alternative to existing mobile platforms. As we await further details on pricing and availability, the anticipation for Firefox OS continues to build.
Source: BGR
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