Intex, Spice Set to Launch Firefox OS Smartphones in Next Few Months

Mozilla has announced that phones based on the Firefox OS open mobile ecosystem will launch in the next few months in India. Mozilla, the non-profit foundation behind the popular Firefox Web browser, announced a partnership with Intex and Spice, to launch the first Firefox OS smartphones for the Indian market.

The company, on its announcement blog post titled 'Firefox OS ecosystem continues expansion and redefines the entry-level smartphone', did not reveal any details about the upcoming Intex and Spice Firefox OS smartphones. However, we can expect the first Firefox OS smartphones from Intex and Spice to be priced low to lure consumers in the country to try a new open mobile operating system challenging Apple's iOS and Google's Android.

Notably, chipmaker Spreadtrum had showcased a blueprint for any phone maker to make $25 smartphones using Firefox OS at MWC. Mozilla in partnership with Spreadtrum is currently showcasing its Firefox OS smartphone in the ultra-low-cost category based on Spreadtrum chipsets at Mobile Asia Expo in Shanghai.

Firefox OS, an upstart smartphone OS aimed at challenging the Apple and Google duopoly, was first previewed during the Mobile World Congress last year.

For those unaware, GeeksPhone, the Spanish manufacturer made the first Firefox OS phones for developers, named - Keon and Peak. Earlier this year, seven Firefox OS-powered devices were launched at MWC.

Commenting on the announcement of the Firefox OS partnership, Sanjay Kumar Kalirona, Business Head, Mobile, Intex Technologies (India) Ltd, said, "Intex is excited to announce its association with Mozilla which will enable us to develop unparalleled smart devices on the latest Firefox OS platform. The platform will give us an edge in upgrading buyers from feature phones to smartphones while making it affordable for the mass market."

Spice's Co-Founder and CEO, Dilip Modi, said, "We have been the technology innovators in India's telecom industry and are pleased to introduce Firefox OS in India through our smartphones to cater to the country's masses. This partnership with Mozilla showcases our commitment to providing the best technological innovations first-hand to our customers. These phones will be affordably priced to ensure everyone can enjoy and experience the power of the Firefox OS phone."