Firefox OS is a mobile operating system of the Mozilla, largely based on the web browser that has the same name (Firefox). It is designed to run applications written using web technologies such as HTML5 and JavaScript. And, it is designed to run on a range of devices, including smartphones and Smart TV.
But until now, most smartphones that come with Firefox OS have been entry devices, which have not really managed to stand out from the competition: there are many Android smartphones cheap on the market, and right now there is little reason to buy a Firefox OS device instead of an Android device.
Farewell Firefox OS smartphones $ 25
CNET saw an email from the CEO of Mozilla, Chris Beard, outlining some of the new goals of the foundation for Firefox OS. In particular, it seems that smartphones to 25 dollars of the organization could be abandoned.
These very affordable smartphones are mainly developing countries, but Beard reported that they do not see "sufficient traction" so far. "We do not pursue any part of the program [smartphone to $ 25]," he has written in the email.
Under a new initiative called Ignite, Mozilla wants to focus on the compelling features rather than the lowest price. "We will build smartphones and connected devices that people want to buy because of the experience, not just the price," said Beard.
An application crisis
Support for Android applications is an option that Mozilla will "explore", according to Beard. This could help to increase the adoption of Firefox OS seeking to offer a real alternative to Android and iOS.
Adding compatibility for Android apps on Firefox OS instantly allow users to run thousands of applications that are not otherwise available for the platform. Nevertheless, even if it is very attractive on paper, this choice did not really help other operating systems such as BlackBerry OS or Sailfish OS to make a dent in the Android market share. Indeed, Android applications tend to work best on Android smartphones.
Still, it could help fill the gap of applications, while allowing Mozilla to focus on other initiatives that would make Firefox OS different from what is found today on Android and iOS.
However, the emphasis placed by the organization will remain firmly on Web applications, and the development of open applications. The e-mail mentions an improved offline support for these applications, and the availability of Firefox OS for other devices outside the smartphones. There is already a number of Smart TV.
While Mozilla has been in partnership with smartphone manufacturers to release devices with Firefox OS pre-loaded, the team also plans to release builds of the enthusiasts who can install a custom ROM on their unlocked Android devices.
But until now, most smartphones that come with Firefox OS have been entry devices, which have not really managed to stand out from the competition: there are many Android smartphones cheap on the market, and right now there is little reason to buy a Firefox OS device instead of an Android device.
Farewell Firefox OS smartphones $ 25
CNET saw an email from the CEO of Mozilla, Chris Beard, outlining some of the new goals of the foundation for Firefox OS. In particular, it seems that smartphones to 25 dollars of the organization could be abandoned.
These very affordable smartphones are mainly developing countries, but Beard reported that they do not see "sufficient traction" so far. "We do not pursue any part of the program [smartphone to $ 25]," he has written in the email.
Under a new initiative called Ignite, Mozilla wants to focus on the compelling features rather than the lowest price. "We will build smartphones and connected devices that people want to buy because of the experience, not just the price," said Beard.
An application crisis
Support for Android applications is an option that Mozilla will "explore", according to Beard. This could help to increase the adoption of Firefox OS seeking to offer a real alternative to Android and iOS.
Adding compatibility for Android apps on Firefox OS instantly allow users to run thousands of applications that are not otherwise available for the platform. Nevertheless, even if it is very attractive on paper, this choice did not really help other operating systems such as BlackBerry OS or Sailfish OS to make a dent in the Android market share. Indeed, Android applications tend to work best on Android smartphones.
Still, it could help fill the gap of applications, while allowing Mozilla to focus on other initiatives that would make Firefox OS different from what is found today on Android and iOS.
However, the emphasis placed by the organization will remain firmly on Web applications, and the development of open applications. The e-mail mentions an improved offline support for these applications, and the availability of Firefox OS for other devices outside the smartphones. There is already a number of Smart TV.
While Mozilla has been in partnership with smartphone manufacturers to release devices with Firefox OS pre-loaded, the team also plans to release builds of the enthusiasts who can install a custom ROM on their unlocked Android devices.
I founded the Blog DepoTech in January 2015. Self-taught in development, I have always pushed my curiosity about the topics,Web and Tech news.
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