Mozilla showcased Boot to Gecko as a alternative mobile operating system completely built around modern web technologies like HTML5. Mozilla CEO hinted in April that the Boot to Gecko devices will be launched in Brazil in 2013.
Mozilla announced on a blog post that Boot to Gecko will be known as Firefox OS from now on, and also announced several partners with the carriers. First devices will be manufactured by TCL Communication Technology (Alcatel) and ZTE. Network Operators which support the initiative include Deutsche Telekom, Etisalat, Smart, Sprint, Telecom Italia, Telefónica and Telenor.
Firefox OS will be built entirely on open web standards, and all the smartphone capabilities are developed using HTML5 applications according to Mozilla. Firefox OS running smartphones will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon processors, Alcatel and ZTE will be the first to manufacture these phones. First devices will launch in early 2013 in Brazil on Telefonica’s Vivo brand.
Unlike the other mobile operating systems, Firefox OS will allow HTML5 applications to use phone’s underlying capabilities. This is not possible in other mobile OS, as phones hardware capabilities can only be accessed by native applications. That is also the reason why Facebook is developing native application for iOS.
Mozilla says due to the platform optimization “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 to drive adoption across developing markets.”
We have to see how this mobile platform from Mozilla will fare in the long battle among mobile OS market, but we don’t have to wait too long, perhaps early 2013. What do you think Firefox OS will appeal to you?.
