Devices & Platforms

Mozilla launches low-cost smartphone in India with Firefox OS

Mozilla is taking bold strides into the Indian handset market with the introduction of a low-cost smartphone that will retail for R 1,999 ($33).

The device, known as the Intex Cloud FX, is the first low-cost device to go on sale in India that uses Firefox OS. It is only available via an exclusivity deal with Indian online retailer Snapdeal.

The device features dual-SIM capabilities and supports several Indian languages including Hindi and Tamil.

Low-cost smartphones are a major growth segment, particularly in India where interest in such devices is high. Mozilla president Li Gong has stated that he expects the device to "redefine the entry-level smartphone and create strong momentum in Asia".

While smartphones are coveted devices across all markets, their price points can be prohibitive in emerging markets, meaning that many consumers have stuck to more affordable feature phones. The advent of low-cost smartphones may provide the excuse to upgrade that many customers have been waiting for.

A statement from Mozilla said: "With the launch of Intex Cloud FX, we aim to enable the masses to get smartphone experience at the cost of a feature phone." The device will host desirable apps such as Facebook and Twitter that are likely to tempt users into making the upgrade.

Although the Intex Cloud FX will feature these capabilities, it is by no means intended to rival higher end smartphones such as Samsung’s Galaxy series or Apple’s iPhone. IDC researcher Bryan Ma noted that the attention-grabbing price point was “just one factor in all this – it’s the ecosystem we look at, or what kind of applications are available on the phone.”

Certain appealing apps will only be available on the device via third parties – including the OTT messaging service WhatsApp. Ma notes that factors such as this “will make a difference to the value of the phone in a market in like India."

 



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