Mozilla confirms Firefox mobile operating system for 2013

Mozilla has confirmed details of its Firefox mobile operating system which it plans to launch next year.

Formally called project 'boot to gecko', Firefox OS for smartphones has gained global support for its launch, according to Mozilla. The non-profit organisation said the first Firefox OS devices are expected to launch in early 2013 in Brazil. See also: Mozilla shows off Boot to Gecko OS.

Gary Kovacs, CEO of Mozilla said: "The introduction of the open mobile OS continues the Mozilla mission to promote openness, innovation and opportunity on the web for users and developers. As billions of users are expected to come online for the first time in the coming years, it is important to deliver a compelling smartphone experience that anyone can use,"

Mozilla has gained backing from mobile operators including O2 owner Telefónica, Deutsche Telekom, Etisalat, Smart, Sprint, Telecom Italia and Telenor. TLC Communication Technology and ZTE both said they will make Firefox OS devices with Qualcomm Snapdragon processors.

Firefox OS will join the smartphone OS war currently being fought out between Apple's iOS, Google's Android and Microsoft's Windows Phone, among others.

Firefox OS will be a fully open mobile platform based on HTML5, according to Mozilla. The aim is that every part of the software, including calling and messaging will be an HTML5 app.

Mozilla said: "Due to the optimisation of the platform for entry-level smartphones and the removal of unnecessary middleware layers, mobile operators will have the ability to offer richer experiences at a range of price points including at the low end of the smartphone price range, helping to drive adoption across developing markets."