What is Firefox

Firefox OS is a mobile operating system developed by Mozilla Corporation-the developers of Firefox browser. It is built entirely to open web standards enabling every feature to be developed using HTML, CSS & JavaScript.

Web apps can access every underlying capability of the device hardware, bypassing the typical hindrances of HTML5 on mobile to deliver substantial performance. Like Chrome OS -which runs Chromebook- in the Firefox OS also the browser acts as an Operating system.

Why Need Another OS!

Although other mobile operating systems are also free there are numerous problems faced by them, like code overhead and slower processors. Another problem they face is in Mobile Vs Web & Native Vs Web; in other words apps in other mobile operating systems run within the OS, which in itself is an application. Firefox OS doesn't have this problem.

Also Firefox OS runs on APIs through JavaScript to connect with the hardware, hence running the browser as OS. Consequently there is no need to relearn again and again for different platforms. One app can run on all different types of devices that run on Firefox OS, on top you can make responsive apps.

As a result Firefox OS does not need much processing power and hence can run fast on low end devices. It gives you the experience of running an Android OS on a very expensive device.

The platform’s flexibility allows Telecom Carriers to easily tailor the interface and develop localized services that match the unique needs of their customer base. This means OS App development is no more an arena of just developers or programmers; anybody who knows the basics of HTML should be able to master the skills required to develop Applications for Firefox OS.

Firefox OS was first publicly demonstrated in February 2012 on Android-compatible Smartphones. Some phones running on Firefox OS are Alcatel One Touch Fire & ZTE Open. More are to follow. You can order the ZTE phone through Ebay.in.

Global Market Scenario

Considering the potential for cheaper Firefox OS in developing countries such as in Latin America, Africa & South Asia(including India) various mobile manufactures across the world like Sony, LG and ZTE has already begun the effort to deploy this OS on their devices. In addition more than 17 key global telecom operators have committed to this Open web device initiative: America Movil, China Unicom, Deutsche Telekom, Etisalat, Hutchison Three Group, KDDI, KT, MegaFon, Qtel, SingTel, Smart, Sprint, Telecom Italia Group, Telefonica, Telenor, TMN and VimpelCom.

To develop an environment to enable app commerce for Firefox OS, Mozilla has a Marketplace to help consumers download the apps.

Indian Market Scenario

There are many developer communities in India building apps for Firefox OS. There are Mozilla student reps that are learning to develop apps. You can find them at Facebook & Google groups as well as in mozillaindia.org & Mozilla India Communities.