Mozilla's Firefox operating system for mobile browsing will focus on open web standards in hopes that it will set the stage for rivalry with Apple's iOS and Google's Android.
"Firefox OS smartphones are the first built entirely to open Web standards, enabling every feature to be developed as an HTML5 application," Mozilla said about its new release yesterday.
"Web apps access every underlying capability of the device, bypassing the typical hindrances of HTML5 on mobile to deliver substantial performance. The platform's flexibility allows carriers to easily tailor the interface and develop localized services that match the unique needs of their customer base."
And Mozilla also plans to increase competitiveness in the operating system realm with contextual search that incorporates social media sites and will be available right out of the box.
"Firefox OS includes all the things people need from a smartphone out of the box - calls, messaging, email, camera and more - as well as the things you wish a smartphone offered, like built-in cost controls, social features with Facebook and Twitter, location-based services, much-loved features like the Firefox Web browser, new ability to discover one-time use and downloadable apps, Firefox Marketplace and much more," Mozilla said.
And Mozilla's vice president of mobile partnerships at Facebook Vaughn Smith said that integration with Facebook ensures a better and more marketable product.
"Every device is better if it's social and we're excited that Firefox OS users will have easy access to the mobile Web-based version of Facebook that will take advantage of our current and future features," he said.
"With Firefox OS, you can simply enter any search term and instantly create a one-time use or downloadable app. Creating and consuming these apps on demand puts users in complete control of their app and smartphone experience and will make it possible for people to get the exact content they want, when they want it."
The Mozilla Foundation introduced a preview of the mobile Firefox OS on Feb. 24
First appearances of the devices are expected to appear in the middle of the year with U.S. releases to come later. Check back with Latinos Post to explore the other side of this story - the skepticism surrounding Firefox's entry into smartphones.
(SOURCE)