Mozilla has today said the launch of its first Firefox OS smartphones will begin soon. The devices, the ALCATEL ONE TOUCH Fire and the ZTE Open will be launched by Deutsche Telekom and Telefonica.
Being the first devices powered completely by Web technologies, the Firefox OS will enable calls, messaging, email, camera and just about anything one can do on a smartphone.
Mozilla also said the Firefox OS has built-in social features with Facebook and Twitter, HERE Maps with offline capabilities and smart walking, driving and public transit directions. Users will also enjoy the Firefox Web browser and Firefox Marketplace with ability to download apps.
According to Jay Sullivan, Mozilla Chief Operating Officer, “The launch of Firefox OS marks an incredibly exciting time for the Web. Firefox OS powers the first smartphones built entirely on Web technologies and will stimulate an inspiring new wave of innovation for the Web.”
He added that Mozilla is proud to deliver an experience for first time smartphone users that will delight them and really put the power of the Web in people’s hands.
According to the firm, Firefox OS phones come with Firefox Marketplace, which unleashes the power of HTML5 apps on mobile. Also with popular global apps such games, news and media, music and audio, business and productivity, the Firefox Marketplace includes popular apps such as AccuWeather, EA games like Poppit, Facebook, Nokia HERE Maps, SoundCloud, Terra, Time Out, TMZ and Twitter as well as personally tailored and local apps that will differ by region.
The combines the extension of the Firefox desktop and mobile browsing experience with security, privacy, customization and user control.
At the moment , Firefox OS has signed up over 20 hardware and operator partners around the world and ready to disrupt the mobile platform with a customizable mobile Web experience.
Driving the point home, John Jackson, Research Vice President for IDC said the firm’s recent surveys found Firefox OS to be more compelling to developers over Tizen, Blackberry and Kindle Fire and has high expectation that telecom operators, OEM, and developer communities will receive the Mozilla’s Firefox OS as the next preferable platform.