Mozilla CEO Chris Beard has reportedly sent an email to employees, saying that the company has decided to change its mobile strategy. Part of that strategy involves its deviation from the ultra-budget phone scheme which, according to the company, had struggled to grain traction in certain markets such as India and Indonesia. Instead, the nonprofit organization will focus on compelling features which could just mean an Android app support.
The new strategy, dubbed "Ignite Initiative," aims to bring devices that unlock the web and offer compelling features for users to use. Beard says that the company wants to provide a better user experience instead of focusing solely on cost.
"Today we're moving into the next phase of Firefox OS, focusing more on the user experience, and tying Firefox OS more deeply into our mission and our community," notes Beard.
Mozilla, however, will continue to target the low-end spectrum. It's not entirely giving up on its dream of bringing forth a $25 smartphone in order to help users across the globe to gain access to devices dominated by the Android and iOS ecosystems. As the way to achieve it has been a hard battle, Mozilla decided to go in a new route instead.
Mozilla's alternative places an increased focus on the Web. It's based on the principle that whatever OS the device uses, it needs a Web browser. Unlike Chrome and iOS wherein web usage is optimized when used with Android and Apple devices respectively, Firefox OS runs apps that are designed for the Web. In other words, such apps can run on any other devices as well.
The universal feature of a Web means programmers know how to use it. However, Firefox OS had a tough time to get the apps that it needed. Mozilla is thinking on getting a boost from the wide range of apps that are available for Android.
"To bridge this app gap between user expectations and the readiness of the ecosystem, we will explore implementing Android app compatibility," said Beard.
Beard also says that Mozilla will continue to explore the possibilities of developing what it refers to as "feature phones" (more basic phones). In short, Firefox OS devices are still very much alive.
"Firefox OS is critical to ensure the Web remains the single greatest public resource the world has ever known," says Beard.
Photo: John Karakatsanis I Flickr
