The big idea behind Mozilla’s Firefox OS software was to power affordable smartphones in emerging markets, with an open web-standards ethos to provide an alternative to iOS and Android. As things stand, it seems emerging markets are just as keen on those two platforms as the rest of the world.
“We will build phones and connected devices that people want to buy because of the experience, not simply the price,” wrote Mozilla CEO Chris Beard in an email to Mozilla partners late last week. “We have not seen sufficient traction for a $25 phone, and we will not pursue all parts of the program.” Mozilla is also exploring the idea of making its smartphones compatible with Android, so they can run the hundreds of thousands of Android apps rather than expecting developers to create new web-based versions for Firefox OS phones.
Tools: platforms to help you reach new audiences
Tools: Kaiber
In the year or so since its launch, AI startup Kaiber has been making waves,…