Mozilla announces Firefox OS 1.1, adds new features
Slowly but surely, browser maker Mozilla is rolling out its own mobile operating system, and prospective buyers can already grab a handset -- the ZTE Open and Alcatel One are available through Ebay. The OS has not yet managed to catch on, though its still very early in the process. However, Mozilla is steadily pushing forward, today rolling out version 1.1 of the platform.
The latest iteration of Firefox OS claims to add, not only performance improvements and additional language support, but also a slew of new features.
The platform now supports MMS (multimedia messaging service), which is a must-have for many of today's mobile customers, thanks to the proliferation of texting, which is gradually replacing using a phone to actually make a call.
Other new features include the ability to import contacts from both Gmail and Hotmail (Facebook was already included); the ability to add contacts from your call log, SMS or email by long-tapping your choice; adaptive app search on the home screen; the ability to download media files from the included Firefox browser; auto-correct for the touch keyboard; music search and the ability to tap on a desired time slot in the calendar to create a new event.
The organization also claims that performance improvements included in version 1.1 will bring faster load times for apps, In addition, support for 15 more languages is included in this update.
Developers need not feel left out, as Firefox OS now includes an API for push notifications, claiming "developers can make use of push to deliver timely notifications to apps and reduce overall battery consumption".
"There have been hundreds of improvements added to Firefox OS", claims Chris Lee, Director of Product for Firefox OS.
The update will begin reaching handsets shortly, but the big question remains -- can Firefox OS compete in a market that has been whittled down to a three-horse race? For now the organization is targeting the low-end of the market, selling phones via Ebay in the US for as low as $79.99. Its an intriguing mobile platform, but Apple and Google need not worry, at least not anytime soon.
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I’m still fairly certain that this will remain a niche product for the foreseeable future. I do not mind the approach though and it may work to a degree.
Now mozilla has started doing wonders for the mobile technology also . I am a great fan of mozilla browser from the very beginning .
I just wonder how long it will take before Apple will start a lawsuit because the OS looks too much like iOs (even though all the icons are round).
I couldn’t agree more, But it seems like all the OS being released now have almost the same layout. I believe its time Google starts a lawsuit after the release of iOS7 (Since it has some features common to the Android 4.2.2). But seriously, There is nothing new anyone has the ability to make, It all looks the same.
Apple released the first iPhone with the Apps Screen (thats what I like to call it) In which the list of all apps were on the first screen. Google, then released the idea of a home screen which would hold a few more items than the Apples Apps Screen and also included the Drawer which is what the App Screen looks like.
The notification bar, All the OS have it and it looks exactly the same. Nothing you can change there at all. iOS7 and Android 4.2.2 have almost the same options on it too.
And so on I have noticed there is nothing we can change now.
I would know since I am in process of developing my own Operating System for the desktop and cell :p And I cant complete it since I lack design now, due to it already being available :p