Mozilla has debuted a prototype of "the world's cheapest smartphone" that costs a mere $25 and is aimed at the developing world.
Unveiled during Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, the phone is a basic one, and will run simple apps and will have mobile Internet. It will also feature integrated WiFi, Bluetooth, FM Radio and a camera. It is being developed in conjunction with Chinese low-cost chip maker, Spreadtrum.
In order to make the phone possible, Mozilla signed a deal with Spreadtrum to use its newly debuted SC8621 silicon chipset. The SC6821 chipset was also unveiled at MWC, and, according to Spreadtrum, "redefines the entry level of the global smartphone market".
The chip maker adds that the SC6821 is designed with a low memory configuration and high level of integration to drastically lower the cost of materials required to develop low-end smartphones.
"The combination of Firefox OS with Spreadtrum's entry-level smartphone platforms has the potential to dramatically extend the reach of smartphones and the Web globally," says Dr Li Gong, Mozilla's SVP of mobile devices and president of Asia operations.
He adds that Firefox OS gives users a customised, fun and intuitive experience for first-time smartphone buyers, and says Mozilla's collaboration with Spreadtrum enables the industry to offer customers an extremely affordable way to get a smartphone and connect with Web apps.
"These solutions expand the global accessibility of open Web smartphones to first-time and entry-level smartphone buyers by reducing the time and cost required for handset makers to bring these devices to market," says Spreadtrum.
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