Mozilla is pulling the plug on $25 Firefox OS smartphone that was introduced last year, as per a latest report from Cnet. The company, known for its popular Firefox browser, launched is Web-based mobile OS and signed a few partnerships with OEMs to release ultra-affordable devices.
“We will build phones and connected devices that people want to buy because of the experience, not simply the price. We have not seen sufficient traction for a $25 phone, and we will not pursue all parts of the program.”
Chief Executive Chris Beard Beard said in an e-mail to Mozilla project partners.
Beard also made it clear that they will continue “exploring the feature phone opportunity. The company’s new “Ignite” initiative reportedly aims to overhaul the strategy regarding Firefox OS. Mozilla wants to sell a Firefox OS smartphone that has more attractive specs and features including an improved ability to work offline; a better software update delivery system, and support for flip phones. Ignite would also further work on Firefox for IoT front.
Mozilla is also thinking on implementing Android app compatibility to Firefox OS. Instead of letting all Android apps it will be limited only to “a few key apps.