Firefox OS Ecosystem Continues Expansion And Redefines The Entry-Level Smartphone

Mozilla, the mission-based organization dedicated to promoting openness, innovation and opportunity on the Web, is demonstrating the latest advancements to its Firefox OS open mobile ecosystem at Mobile Asia Expo in Shanghai. These include a turnkey solution for Firefox OS smartphones in the ultra-low-cost category that will bring devices to India in the next few months; the addition of Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan’s largest operator, to the global roster of operators supporting the Firefox OS initiative; and new phones from ALCATEL and ZTE coming to market.

Firefox OS smartphones coming to India

After Mozilla and Spreadtrum announced plans to redefine the smartphone entry level at MWC 2014, the turnkey solution for Firefox OS smartphones in the ultra-low-cost category is now available, and sample devices utilizing Spreadtrum chipsets will be demonstrated at Mobile Asia Expo. Mozilla has partnered with Intex and Spice, two of India’s leading mobile device brands, to bring the first Firefox OS devices to India in the next few months.

“Intex is excited to announce its association with Mozilla which will enable us to develop unparalleled smart devices on the latest Firefox OS platform, said Mr. Sanjay Kumar Kalirona, Business Head, Mobile, Intex Technologies (India) Ltd. “The platform will give us an edge in upgrading buyers from feature phones to smartphones while making it affordable for the mass market. This will propel our devices to be much more than a way to use the Web, but take the engagement further and develop the Web as a mobile platform.”

Mr. Dilip Modi, Co-Founder & CEO of Spice, said, “We have been the technology innovators in India’s telecom industry and are pleased to introduce Firefox OS in India through our smartphones to cater to the country’s masses. This partnership with Mozilla showcases our commitment to providing the best technological innovations first-hand to our customers. We have high expectations from this partnership as we continue to constantly push the boundaries, and bring unique and exciting products to our customers. These phones will be affordably priced to ensure everyone can enjoy and experience the power of the Firefox OS phone.”

“Spreadtrum and Mozilla’s turnkey solution defines a new level in smartphone affordability. Together with handset makers, we can now make the smartphone experience accessible to more consumers globally. We are pleased to be working together with Mozilla and with handset brands around the world to bring these affordable open Web devices to market,” said Xiaomao Xiao, vice president of software development at Spreadtrum.

Chunghwa Telecom allies with Firefox OS

Chunghwa Telecom, the largest operator in Taiwan, has partnered with Mozilla to support Firefox OS, bringing another powerful ally to the ecosystem. There are now 22 key operators across the globe, such as Telefónica, Deutsche Telekom, China Unicom, KDDI and SingTel that support the open Web device initiative.

“To partner with Mozilla marks a significant milestone for Chunghwa Telecom and the mobile industry in Taiwan. Through the Web-based Firefox OS, Chunghwa Telecom will be able to bring more value-added and customized mobile services and provide better user experiences in this mobile era,” said Lin Kuo-feng, President of Mobile Business Group, Chunghwa Telecom.

More Firefox OS smartphones available soon

Two Firefox OS devices being showcased at Mozilla’s Mobile Asia Expo booth will be going on sale for the first time this summer: the ZTE Open II and ALCATEL ONETOUCH Fire E.

ZTE has deployed Firefox OS on a broad range of smartphones that are tailored for different types of consumers. The ZTE Open II, which will be demonstrated for the first time at Mobile Asia Expo, adopts dual-core processors for better performance. It will be available for purchase in the coming months in Latin America.

“We are excited to offer ZTE Open II and Open C with Firefox OS to cater to different consumers’ requests. With enhanced experience and an affordable price, the open Web devices will cover more markets and be delivered to more users’ hands,” said Mr. Kan Yulun, CEO of EMEA & LATAM, ZTE Mobile Devices.

The ALCATEL ONETOUCH Fire E adopts dual-core Snapdragon™ processors from Qualcomm Technologies Inc. with a 5MP camera and 4.5-inch qHD screen for higher resolution. Users get the performance, personalization and affordable price they want in a smartphone packaged in a beautiful, clean and easy-to-use experience.

“ALCATEL ONETOUCH is launching a wide range of Firefox OS smartphones this year. We see a great opportunity to bring the benefits of Firefox OS to more consumers and we are excited to work closely with Mozilla,” said Dan Dery, Chief Marketing Officer of ALCATEL ONETOUCH.

Growing Momentum for the Open Platform

Firefox OS is the first device platform built entirely to open Web standards, with every feature developed as an HTML5 application. Its flexibility, scalability and powerful customization empowers users, developers and industry partners to create customized mobile experiences. Operators can easily and deeply customize the interface and develop localized services to fulfill customer needs.

“Mozilla is dedicated to putting the power of the Web in people’s hands, and Firefox OS frees consumers, developers, mobile providers and manufacturers from the limitations and restrictions of proprietary platforms,” said Dr. Li Gong, Chief Operating Officer of Mozilla. “With more accessible Firefox OS phones coming to India soon, and the addition of Chunghwa Telecom, Intex and Spice to our team of global partners, it is clear that momentum for Firefox OS is continuing to accelerate.”