Mozilla has come some way forward after first unveiling its Firefox OS, its Web-based mobile operating system back in early 2013. After a few early partnerships with manufacturers based out of Europe and China, the non-profit company soon partnered Intex and Spice in India, launching two phones under Rs. 2,500 in India, based
on its blueprint of a $25 (Rs. 1,600) smartphone, but still slightly more expensive. Acknowledging it has some way forward in the smartphone market, the company has decided to change its stance towards Firefox OS under CEO Chris Beard and a new 'Ignite' initiative, revealed in a copy of a company email sent to employees on Thursday and obtained by CNET.
The new initiative will see the firm concentrate on selling a Firefox OS smartphone that provides an experience, rather than just the low price point. He added that the firm has been unable to create popularity in the smartphone segment by launching its $25 handsets. This however does not necessarily mean the firm would be aiming at premium handsets.
"We will build phones and connected devices that people want to buy because of the experience, not simply the price," said Beard in the email. "We have not seen sufficient traction for a $25 phone, and we will not pursue all parts of the program."
Beard in the email outlines that with its aim to further consumer adoption, building "community and influence", direct distribution Firefox OS 'Ignite' builds will be given to OEMs that offer unlocked Android devices.
The Firefox OS smartphones part of the Ignite initiative will move beyond the limitations of Web apps, and include an improved ability to work offline; a better software update delivery system, and support for flip phones. Ignite would also further work on Firefox for IoT front.
As a part of the Ignite initiative and the attempt to offer customers a more attractive experience not limited by Web apps, the company is also considering bringing Android app compatibility to Firefox OS. "To bridge this app gap between user expectations and the readiness of the ecosystem, we will explore implementing Android app compatibility," Breach said. Also, the process will take place keeping the firm's "long-term focus on the Web."
However, only few selected "key apps" would be debuting on the platform. The email failed to mention exactly how Mozilla plans to make Android apps compatible with the OS.
Beard added that Mozilla has taken on big giants in the business in the past, such as Microsoft and Google with its Firefox OS. He said, "Mozilla has faced this situation before, and won... Firefox won converts by providing compelling end-user value: it was clean, simple, fast, secure, and open standards based," and it had features like tabbed browsing and pop-up blocking that people liked, according to Beard. Firefox OS likewise needs the right combination of features, apps, and pricing to attract converts despite "sophisticated competition from the most aggressive and largest technology companies in the world."
You can read the full sent by Beard to Mozilla employees below, and do let us know what you think the possibilities of future implementations of Firefox OS smartphones and IoT devices, including Android app compatibility to sweeten deal.
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