Firefox OS

1.Firefox OS: Mozilla’s Open Web Mobile Platform

Firefox OS was a mobile operating system developed by Mozilla, based on the Linux kernel and the Gecko rendering engine. It aimed to bring the open web to smartphones, using HTML5 apps instead of native applications.

2.Historical Background

• 2011: Project announced as “Boot to Gecko.”
• 2013: Officially launched as Firefox OS, targeting low-cost smartphones.
• 2013–2015: Adopted by brands like Alcatel, ZTE, LG, and spread in emerging markets.
• 2016: Mozilla announced the end of Firefox OS for smartphones due to weak adoption.
• 2017 onwards: Firefox OS technology repurposed for IoT and smart TVs (Panasonic TVs).

3.Architecture and Features

• Kernel: Linux-based.
• App Model: HTML5, CSS, JavaScript — web apps instead of native apps.
• UI: Gaia interface, lightweight and customizable.
• App Store: Firefox Marketplace.
• Security: Sandboxed apps, permissions system.
• Goal: Provide affordable smartphones with open web standards.

4.Representative Brands & Devices

• Alcatel One Touch Fire (2013): One of the first Firefox OS phones.
• ZTE Open (2013): Early budget smartphone with Firefox OS.
• LG FireWeb (2013): Firefox OS device for Latin America.
• Panasonic Smart TVs (2017–2020): Ran a modified version of Firefox OS.

5.Comparison with Other Mobile OS