With global end-user and industry support, Mozilla is set to launch a fully open mobile operating system (OS). Relying on HTML5, the OS will use the Firefox brand and enable smart phones built on open Web standards, meaning all device capabilities are viable as HTML5 apps. Network operators supporting the OS launch include Deutsche Telekom, Etisalat, Smart, Sprint, Telecom Italia, Telefónica, and Telenor. The first devices employing Firefox OS will be manufactured by TCL Communication Technology (Alcatel) and ZTE. Built on Mozilla’s “Boot to Gecko” project, the mobile OS allows HTML5 applications to access the underlying capabilities of a smart phone. Optimized for entry-level devices, the system removes unnecessary middleware layers, opening opportunities for richer experiences at a range of price points. Mozilla and participants guarantee a fully-open environment and the reference implementation of the Web application programming interfaces (APIs) is on its way to the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) for standardization.

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