14 DAY TRIAL // Firefox OS, the mobile platform built by Mozilla based on web standards, is now available on more devices than before, and it has also started arriving in a nice range of additional markets out there, including Europe.
The platform is now available on seven different smartphones that are sold at major wireless carriers in 15 countries out there.
According to the company, the success of its platform is based mainly on the flexibility, scalability, and powerful customization capabilities that it can deliver. Moreover, global and regional operators are expected to continue advancing Firefox OS in their markets, Mozilla says.
Starting with this week, Firefox OS devices become available for purchase in Europe through Deutsche Telekom, which will bring the Alcatel OneTouch Fire E to Germany, Mozilla notes in a blog post.
Moreover, the wireless carrier is planning on making Firefox OS handsets available for purchase in other European markets out there as well, including Croatia, Czech Republic, Macedonia, and Montenegro.
At the same time, Mozilla announces that Telefónica is also planning on releasing such devices in Germany, with O2 putting Alcatel OneTouch Fire E on pre-order there. This is the ninth market where Telefónica sells Firefox OS phones.
Later this month, ZTE will make its Open C smartphone available in France. It will be the first Firefox OS device in the country.
“Firefox OS has emerged out of the ‘other’ category as one of the top platforms for the global smartphone industry,” says Neil Mawston, executive director, Global Wireless Practice (GWP) at Strategy Analytics.
“Strong interest from major operators and hardware makers has enabled Firefox OS to make headway in key regions and challenge established software players.”
Additionally, Mozilla confirms that Firefox OS devices are coming soon across Latin America and that they will be expanding to Central America in the next few months. Argentina and Ecuador are set to receive them next.
Additionally, the wireless carrier is adding some more smartphones to its Firefox OS portfolio, including the ZTE Open C and Open II, along with the Alcatel OneTouch Fire C.
América Móvil is also determined to make Firefox OS handsets available in more markets, after releasing its first such phone in Mexico earlier this summer.
Soon, these mobile phones will arrive in Asia too, via Telenor and Chunghwa Telecom. Furthermore, Indian handset vendors Spice and Intex have confirmed plans to release ultra-low-cost Firefox OS phones in the country very soon.
“As the Firefox OS ecosystem expands, we are working with partners to bring the experience to higher-end devices and more form factors, proving the flexibility of the Web as the best development platform,” Mozilla says.