The smartphone price barrier has been broken by Mozilla after it unveiled a $25 (£15) device prototype aimed at the developing world.
The smartphone is created in partnership with Chinese low-cost chip maker Spreadtrum, will be able to run simple apps and make use of mobile internet.
It would appeal to the type of people who currently buy cheap ‘feature’ phones who are locked into long contracts to subsidise the cost of smartphones, analysts said.
The prototype could allow Mozilla to have an early lead in a market that is increasingly being targeted by mobile device manufacturers.
Jay Sullivan, Mozilla’s chief operating officer, told MWC that Mozilla plans to add 12 markets in Asia, Latin America and Africa this year to the 15 markets it entered by the end of last year. Individual partners are expected to release the dates of availability for each market.
‘We are about bringing people online,’ Mr Sullivan said during the introduction.
At last year’s MWC, 18 wireless carriers supported the development of an open mobile operating system by Mozilla to build out a range of cheaper smartphones. In addition to the $25 (£15) smartphone, Mozilla also launched several high-end models, including devices from Huawei and ZTE.
Source: Daily Mail
