LG’s Fireweb was released today, adding its latest gadget to the wonderful world of smartphones. As the first Firefox OS smartphone, the 4-inch gadget is set to use Mozilla’s operating system. Prior to Fireweb’s release, LG released an array of smartphones, including the ZTE Open, which included Firefox OS.
Rather than trying to compete directly with Apple (à la Windows), Mozilla declared on its website that the Fireweb presents “a better and more attainable smartphone experience to first time smartphone buyers.” Mozilla’s strategy targets the South American client base. So far, Fireweb is available in Brazil with the service Telefónica Vivo, retailing at $59 for customers under contracts, and $207 for pay-as-you-go users. Later this year, Mozilla will expand the Fireweb market to Mexico, Peru, and Uruguay.
The Mozilla system on Fireweb will have a Firefox OS web browser, calendar, and the Firefox Marketplace where apps can be downloaded. The Firefox Marketplace is comparable to the iTunes App Store for iPhones, the Google Play store for Androids, and the Windows Phone Store. The Firefox OS system will not detract business from these other devices, simply because it is for a different marketplace.
iPhones and Windows phones are very hard to come by in countries like Brazil with smaller economies, hence Fireweb has created a product for another market entirely.
The Fireweb is a more-affordable option for users who enjoy smartphones on the smaller scale. This smartphone is equipped with 2 Gbytes of memory storage, prohibiting users from downloading unlimited quantities of apps and data. Fireweb has a 480 x 320 display, is complete with a HVGA TFT touchscreen, a 3G Qualcomm processor with 1 GHz and a 5-Mpixel camera with an LED flash.
To explain their global initiative, Mozilla stated, “we're happy to see Firefox OS gain momentum with partners launching new devices in new markets and developers around the world being inspired to innovate. Our partnership with Telefónica Vivo demonstrates the rich, new experiences offered on Firefox OS by combining the best global and local content with LG's elegant new device experience.”
Story via Mozilla
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