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Relaxing with Runcible, the circular 'anti-smartphone'
The Runcible is both the strangest and most intriguing device that I've seen at Mobile World Congress this year. It offers many of the same capabilities as a smartphone, but it looks like a trinket you would find in a trendy vintage store. That's by design, though: Its creator, Monohm, wants the circular gizmo to challenge the now ubiquitous smartphone experience, which is increasingly defined by a relentless stream of notifications. Aubrey Anderson, the company's founder and CEO, describes the Runcible as a "quieter" gadget that can help people relax and live in the moment, while still staying connected online.
Mozilla is bringing Firefox OS to flip-phones and sliders
Mozilla has always positioned Firefox OS as an alternative platform for entry-level smartphones, but now it's targeting the feature phone market too. At Mobile World Congress, the company announced a new partnership with LG and carriers Verizon, Telefónica, KDDI and U+ to create a fresh range of flip-phones, sliders and touchscreen "slate" handsets. Firefox OS will look a little different on these devices -- Mozilla says the group is developing a "more intuitive and easy-to-use" software experience for their planned launch in 2016. It promises to balance the simplicity of feature phones with basic smartphone functionality, such as email, web browsing and music playback.
Japan's first Firefox OS phone is transparent
Transparency has always been one of Mozilla's big selling points with Firefox OS, but a new smartphone from KDDI in Japan is taking that idea to its literal extreme. KDDI's Fx0 is the first Firefox OS phone to hit Japan, and as you can see, its clear case (crafted by designer Yoshioka Tokujin) doesn't leave much to the imagination. It's also the first device running Mozilla's mobile platform to include LTE and NFC. And unlike most Firefox OS phones, it packs in some decent hardware, including a quad-core 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 processor, 1.5GB of RAM, and a 4.7-inch IPS display. Up until now, Firefox OS been targeted at low-end devices for emerging markets like Brazil. But the Fx0 shows that Mozilla wants to take on developed markets, rather than just compete for scraps.
IRL: Giving Firefox OS a second chance
When I reviewed the original ZTE Open last year, the Firefox OS experience was -- to put it modestly -- rough around the edges. The device was stripped down even by the standards of low-end phones, while the software was missing features other platforms have had for years. You didn't even get new email notifications, for crying out loud. Jump ahead a year and it's another story. The Open C is a much more powerful device, and Firefox OS has received a few vital upgrades. But does that mean Mozilla's web-based mobile software is finally ready for prime time? I spent two weeks with the Open C to find out if it can hold its own against budget rivals -- and to see if I'd be comfortable using it as my only phone.
Firefox OS apps run like native apps on Android
The beauty of apps written for Firefox OS is that they're basically just web apps -- they're built primarily on Java Script and HTML5. That means if you can run the app on Mozilla's mobile operating system, you can run them in its browser too. In fact, if you install Firefox 29 on Android, you can run so-called Open Web Apps (OWA) on your Google-powered phone. Not only that, but they're not confined to the browser. Apps installed from the Firefox OS Marketplace are treated just like native apps. They get their own icon in the launcher and home screen, can be uninstalled from the menu and run without the usual browser UI clutter (such as an address bar or back button). Of course, the performance probably won't match truly native apps, and most won't abide by Android's interface conventions. Still, there are some developers who might enjoy the idea of building an app once and running it across all platforms.
Firefox OS getting interface revamp, lots of spit and polish
Firefox OS is still very young and about to endure something of a growth spurt. In the coming months Mozilla's fledgling mobile platform will see a pretty dramatic reinvention of its UI. A core piece of that reinvention is EverythingMe, a contextual search interface that delivers results from the phone and the web simultaneously. Pulling down slightly from the title/address bar will open the search dialog that doubles as an application launcher. That new launcher will provide an entirely new way to interact with the phone, while bringing a welcome level of polish and modernity to the OS. The company also aims to banish the app store model and the ubiquitous install button. Instead searching for an app will offer you a direct link to launch it (which is made possible by Firefox OS' heavy reliance on the web). Additionally, a number of UI elements will be shifted around. Now, instead of opening the notification drawer, pulling down all the way from the top of the screen will initiate a task switcher. For quick and fluid app switching, simply swiping left or right from the edge of the screen will toggle between open applications, just as it does on Windows 8. The notification drawer will find a new home at the bottom of the interface, and opens with an upward swipe. Subtler changes are also being made under the hood that will make Firefox OS faster and more responsive. Especially when scrolling and panning. The on-screen keyboard will also use predictive algorithms to guess what letter a user will enter next and will invisibly enlarge the touch target. There wont actually be any visible cues for the person typing, but it should lead to less mashing of backspace.
Mozilla aiming for a $25 smartphone with new chip partner Spreadtrum
Spreadtrum certainly isn't a household name in the US, but Mozilla is less concerned with brand recognition than it is with delivering an ultra-cheap handset. The two companies have announced a new partnership that will see Spreadtrum building reference designs for Firefox OS phones with a target price of $25. (And no, we're not missing a zero there.) The heart of the effort is the SC6821, a Cortex A5-based chipset that supports WCDMA and EDGE networks, but not LTE. The platform includes WiFi, Bluetooth, cameras and FM radio, though touchscreen support appears to top out at 3.5-inch HVGA panels. The lack of 4G connectivity, older CPU design and low screen resolutions clearly mark this as a low-end initiative, but its one that will give it a major leg up in emerging markets like India where feature phones still rule supreme.
Geeksphone's Firefox-and-Android phone launches February 20th for 289 euro (update)
Spain's Geeksphone has been teasing the Revolution for a few months now, but today's the day we find out how much the thing will actually cost. The device, which can switch between Firefox OS and Android, will be priced at 289 euro ($395) when it lands on February 20th, just four days before MWC 2014 begins in Barcelona. If you're fast, however, the company has hinted that it'll offer the handset for 269 euro with an online-only early-bird sale. There's no word on how much more (or less) this one will set you back if it arrives over in the US, but we'll keep our ears close to the Iberian ground. Update: We've heard back from Geeksphone, with two more important details to share with you. There's no separate US price, it'll all be handled with the exchange rate, so the handset will currently set you back $395, as we said before. Secondly, despite being pitched as a multi-OS device, if you actually want to swap between Firefox OS (Boot2Gecko) and Android, you'll have to install the former on the hardware yourself. Bit disappointing, really.
A first glimpse of the new 'multiOS' handset from Geeksphone
Though we were able to tell you all about the Geeksphone Revolution's specs last month, the gestation-themed stock photo gave no clue as to how it actually looked. Now, we finally have pictures of the Firefox OS/Android multiOS handset (there's another after the break) and a further description of how it'll work. First off, Geeksphone is referring to the Firefox OS option using the original "Boot2Gecko by Mozilla" name, since Geeksphone isn't licensed to use the Firefox brand or logo. It'll come with Android installed (a version hasn't been specified yet) but you'll be able to switch to Boot2Gecko or "any other community-supported ROM" via a user-friendly graphical interface with "just a couple of clicks." That'll also let you get OTA updates for whichever OS option you choose, along with any additional software packages. As for the phone's hardware, you'll still get a dual-core 1.6GHz Intel Atom CPU, 4.7-inch 960 x 540 screen, 1GB of RAM and 8-megapixel rear/2-megapixel front cameras. There's still no sign of a release date and, more importantly, the price -- that'll no doubt weed out those willing try the MultiOS device from those who prefer the devil they know. Update: Geeksphone has got back to us again to clarify why it's not using the Firefox OS brand and how switching the OS will work, so we've updated the post. See below for its (translated) statement: The name Firefox OS and the logo Firefox are registered trademarks owned by Mozilla. Up to this date, there is no certification process known by Geeksphone for its use by independent manufacturers (not associated with a mobile carrier). When this process is available, Geeksphone will obtain such authorization for its terminals. Since it's a branding issue, code and functionality is exactly the same. The phone may change OS with just a couple clicks, through a user friendly graphical interface. In this manner, it may also receive updates OTA or install additional software packages.
Geeksphone's OS-agnostic Revolution smartphone to use Intel chips
We're not yet done with 2013 and already handset manufacturers are tempting us with the products that we'll see in 2014. Geeksphone, the outfit behind the Peak+ and Keon, has released the spec list for the third of its Firefox OS devices. The two notable things about the Geeksphone Revolution, of course, are that the hardware will feature Intel's Atom Z2560 processor, clocked at 1.6GHz, and that running Firefox OS is no longer mandatory. Instead, users will have the option to choose between the Mozilla-backed software and an as-yet unknown build of Android. Otherwise, it's a reasonably standard offering, with a 4.7-inch IPS qHD display, 2,000mAh battery and an 8-megapixel camera. It'll land in Q1 next year, and we're sure that Mozilla will be watching to see just how many people decide Firefox OS is preferable to Android.
Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 to bring LTE and 64-bit support to emerging markets
We knew it was only a matter of time before Qualcomm came out with its own chipset capable of supporting 64-bit, but we figured it'd be in something a little more... high-end. The Snapdragon 410, however, is a 28nm SoC that seems to be focused more on lower-end devices and emerging markets instead. Announced by the company today, the new Snapdragon is expected to sample to manufacturers in the first half of 2014, with it reaching consumer devices during the second half. The chip also comes packed with plenty of extra feature support. First on the list is LTE, which Qualcomm says is a feature it wants to bring to all product tiers. In particular, this next-gen connectivity comes with multimode and multiband support, ensuring that many devices carrying the chip will work on LTE networks around the globe (a feature we assume will be up to the OEM to enable). In addition, the Snapdragon 410 will feature an Adreno 306 GPU and offer support for dual- and triple-SIM devices, with 1080p video playback, up to a 13MP camera, GPS/GLONASS, WiFI, NFC and Bluetooth. It'll also be compatible with Android, Windows Phone and Firefox OS, and is geared toward "high-volume" devices in emerging markets which sell for under $150. Of course, even though a lower-tier Snapdragon is the first Qualcomm chipset with 64-bit support, we strongly suspect that it won't be too long before the company comes out with new higher-end SoCs that offer the same capability. After all, CES and MWC are not too far away.
Firefox OS 1.1 arrives, bearing MMS support and performance enhancements
Firefox OS is unquestionably a work in progress, but with a point upgrade a few weeks after launch (and the release of the ZTE Open), at least we can confirm that Mozilla is, in fact, putting the work in. The 1.1 version of the software is available now for users of the mobile operating system, featuring a number of enhancements. At the top of the list is the arrival of MMS support, letting you send and receive images, audio and video files and the like via messages. Performance has also been enhanced, with smoother scrolling and faster load times. There's music search built in now, too, plus an API for push notifications for app developers. All that, plus improvements to email, contact management, calendar and keyboard. If you want to drill down on any of the above, have a look at the source link below.
Mozilla's 'Phone for Apps' initiative hits phase two, lures devs into porting HTML5 apps to Firefox OS
Firefox has certainly taken some pretty huge steps since Mozilla initially announced its "Phone for Apps" program back in May. Still, the browser maker knows there's a lot to be done before the mobile OS becomes more of a household entity. To help it achieve that, Mozilla's launching phase two of the "Phone for Apps" initiative, offering developers a Firefox OS device -- in this case the Geeksphone Keon -- in exchange for porting their HTML5 apps to the young platform. More specifically, this qualifies devs who have "already built and shipped an HTML5 web app and have the time now to port that app to the new Firefox OS." Is this you? Then here's what's left to do: click the source below to peruse the rest of the guidelines, fill out the application and, if you're amongst the chosen group, expect a confirmation to reach your inbox sometime thereafter.
Firefox OS 1.1 now available for Geeksphone devices, users report faster boot times, bug fixes
Betting on Mozilla's mobile operating system? There's a good chance, then, that you're kicking around a Geeksphone, one of the few devices known for running Firefox OS. Owners of the company's Keon and Peak handsets can now manually upgrade their devices to Firefox 1.1, which -- according to enthusiasts on the Geeksphone forums and Twitter -- speeds up boot times, patches an assortment of bugs and tacks on minor navigational and display improvements. Naturally, users interested in trying the build will have to download and flash it themselves. Unsure how to proceed? Check out the Geeksphone forums link at the adjacent source link for tips.
T-Mobile Poland to ship Firefox OS-powered Alcatel One Touch Fire starting tomorrow
We knew good and well it was coming, and now we've both a date and a launch partner to hone in on: that's "tomorrow" and "T-Mobile Poland," respectively. After going big (as opposed to home) at Mobile World Congress earlier this year, Mozilla has just announced that the Firefox OS-powered Alcatel One Touch Fire will ship tomorrow in Poland for 1 zloty (practically free, for those curious) in combination with "a very attractive tariff." Market launches in additional European countries will follow in the fall, with German handsets to be marketed via Deutsche Telekom's second brand congstar. DT's subsidiaries in Hungary (Magyar Telekom) and Greece (COSMOTE) will also initiate sales of the handset this fall, but pricing in those regions has yet to be revealed. As for word on a US release via Sprint? Still waiting, sadly.
The Daily Roundup for 07.01.2013
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Firefox OS hands-on: Alcatel OneTouch Fire and ZTE Open (video)
We've crossed paths with Firefox OS before, but today marks the first time we've played with handsets running the final build of Mozilla's mobile software. The Alcatel OneTouch Fire and ZTE Open you see above are the same hardware we saw at MWC earlier this year -- in fact, the latter just launched in Spain on Telefónica for €69 ($90) contract-free including €30 ($39) of airtime for prepaid customers. We took both phones for a brief spin and immediately noticed a slight improvement in performance. Unfortunately, there's still a significant amount of lag in the UI, especially when scrolling through web pages and navigating the app tray. Websites also take a while to load, even when connecting over Wi-Fi. Then again, what do you expect for €69? Check out the gallery below and hit the break to watch our hands-on video. Note: the ZTE Open we handled was destined for Movistar (a Telefónica brand) and is launching today for €69 (not €63 as mentioned in our video). %Gallery-192865%
ZTE Open, the first Firefox OS phone for consumers, launches tomorrow for $90
When Mozilla said devices running Firefox OS would be cheap, we didn't know they'd be this cheap. Telefónica has just tweeted that the ZTE Open will be launching in Spain tomorrow for €69, which translates to around $90 and is a good $30 less than the cheapest developer unit we'd seen until now. And here's where it gets pretty wild: that price includes €30 ($39) of airtime for prepaid customers. When we played with the Open back in February at Mobile World Congress, we weren't exactly blown away by it, but we're arguably not the target demographic. The real question is whether Spaniards will be willing to sacrifice access to Google's services and ecosystem with devices like the Vodafone Smart Mini now selling for as little as €49 ($65). Update: PR after the break.
Firefox OS dev units coming to Geeksphone next week: Keon and Peak priced from €91
Two days ago, Mozilla CEO Gary Kovacs reinforced what we already knew: Firefox OS will launch in four to five countries in Europe and South America by summer. Today, a newsletter from Spanish e-retailer Geeksphone fills in a few more details. According to the email, the Keon and Peak smartphones we saw at MWC will hit its site next week -- albeit as developer preview units. Still, Geeksphone says the two handsets "will be available for dispatch anywhere on earth." The lower-end Keon will cost €91 plus taxes, while the mid-range Peak will set you back €149. Early adopters can subscribe to the mailing list to stay updated; click through to the source link. [Thanks, William]
Mozilla unveils Firefox OS Simulator 3.0 with Push to Device, rotation simulation
Mozilla launched its first Firefox OS Simulator late last year, letting developers test out apps on the new platform even though the software was still very much in development. It only makes sense, then, that a new version would surface following the mobile operating system's official unveiling at Mobile World Congress 2013. Like versions 1.0 and 2.0, Firefox OS Simulator 3.0 runs as an extension in Mozilla's browser and is available on Linux, Windows and OS X. The new preview adds several features, including Push to Device, which brings over apps installed on the OS Simulator to a Firefox OS device provided it's connected via USB. Rotation simulation and an updated version of the software's Gaia interface are also on board. To give the Simulator a go, head to Mozilla's FTP server, where you'll find it under the working name r2d2b2g. Click through to source links for the full installation directions.
