Mozilla, who are renowned for their Firebox browser have launched their first low-cost smartphone that has now been on the retail market since Monday for 1,999 rupees (£19.90, $33).
The Cloud FX, built by Indian smart phone maker Intex Technologies, is currently running on Mozilla Firefox’s operating system which means that the new model will be the first low-cost device to run the system in Asia. The phone is momentarily only on sale at India’s online shopping site Snapdeal, but depending on its success that may change, as well as its price.
Mozilla’s original target price for the phone was 1513.31 rupees (£15.08, $25), but eventually settled on the current rate.
The low-cost smartphone market in India is regarded as the world’s fastest growing and various emerging markets across Asia are seen as key areas for huge growth by mobile phone manufacturers.
The phone despite its cheap price offers customers many of the same apps and perks as other smartphones, with Twitter and Facebook being an example of two of the applications already built into the phone.
Mozilla President Dr.Li Gong speaking on the early success of the product stated, “The positive consumer feedback from other markets tells us that people like the unique user experience and openness we’re building with Firefox OS”. He further added “With support from Intex, Firefox OS smartphones in the ultra-low-cost category will redefine the entry-level smartphone and create strong momentum in Asia.”
Analysts expect the popularity of low-cost smartphones to increase considerably due to the fact they give users an affordable opportunity to upgrade from feature phones that do not have the function to, or gain easy access to the internet.
Mozilla have claimed they have not been designed to become a competitor to both the Apple iPhone or the Samsung Galaxy phone but Dr. Li Gong expects the phone to redefine the entry-level smartphone, furthermore creating a strong momentum in Asia.
