Firefox looking to get into Mobile Browser field

[Fire14]

Mozilla’s Firefox skitters into crowded mobile browser space

Mozilla Corp. is looking to jump onto the mobile browser playground with a version of its popular open-source Firefox offering.

The Mountain View, Calif.-based developer is stepping up its wireless efforts, expanding its team of developers and building an application that will run Firefox extensions on mobile devices. And Mozilla is adding wireless gadgets to the first class/tier-one platform set for Mozilla 2, which “means we will make core platform decisions with mobile devices as first-class citizens,” according to Mike Schroepfer, the company’s VP of engineering.

“Up until very recently, device limitations required writing new mobile browsers from the ground up,” Schroepfer wrote on Mozilla’s blog. “Being able to leverage all the investments in the Mozilla platform across both desktops and devices is the right approach. There is far from a dominant player in this marketplace and even the best mobile browsers today have compromises in user experience, performance and compatibility. There is still plenty of room for innovation.”

While others have charged into wireless at full throttle, Mozilla has quietly tinkered with ways to bring its offerings to mobile users. The company has developed a browser for Nokia Corp.’s N800 and earlier this year launched Joey, a technology that looks to bridge the gap between PCs and mobile phones by allowing users to store content on a remote server and access it wirelessly.

Critics claim Mozilla may be late to mobile, citing the traction that has been attained by Opera Software, Novarra and others. But Mozilla could bring considerable muscle to the party: the company’s open-source browser boasts 100 million PC users, many of whom are actively involved in improving the platform or building applications on top of Firefox.

“Bringing Firefox add-ons, the Mozilla platform (including XUL), open source, and a large and passionate community to the closed and fragmented mobile platform would do the world some serious good,” Schroepfer posted.

Mozilla’s Firefox skitters into crowded mobile browser space - RCR Wireless News

[bobolito]

It will be nice to have an alternative to Opera Mini. I don't see how they are late.

[TeleTips Network]

Originally Posted by bobolito

It will be nice to have an alternative to Opera Mini. I don't see how they are late.

It's not clear to me how this is newsworthy. In the US users can hardly download and install a new browser because most, if not all, of the handsets are locked. I mean, we won't be installing Firefox on the iPhone now, will we. Are handsets unlocked or the operators more open in ROW?

To get their new browser installed on any handsets Mozilla Foundation will first have to make a very compelling mobile browser, and only then try to do deals with handset manufacturers.

Even that might not be sufficient. I doubt that the incumbent mobile operators will allow mortals to install extensions. That sort of openness is not their style.

Anyone else have an idea how Mozilla expects their new browser to get any traction?

[RJB]

If the browser is anything like the on for PC's then let them come

[T Sizzles]

PLEASE make Firefox for Windows Mobile for Smartphones!

I do not like IE.

[PCSuser]

Originally Posted by T Sizzles

PLEASE make Firefox for Windows Mobile for Smartphones!

I do not like IE.

Minimo project page

There is the link to download the Firefox browser for your Windows Mobile Smartphone.

Hope I helped!

[RJB]

Originally Posted by T Sizzles

PLEASE make Firefox for Windows Mobile for Smartphones!

I do not like IE.

Do you use opera at all/

[Matt]

Originally Posted by TeleTips Network

It's not clear to me how this is newsworthy. In the US users can hardly download and install a new browser because most, if not all, of the handsets are locked. I mean, we won't be installing Firefox on the iPhone now, will we. Are handsets unlocked or the operators more open in ROW?

To get their new browser installed on any handsets Mozilla Foundation will first have to make a very compelling mobile browser, and only then try to do deals with handset manufacturers.

I installed Opera mini on my T-Mobile Blackberry with no problems. Maybe smartphones have more leeway.

[TeleTips Network]

Originally Posted by Matt

I installed Opera mini on my T-Mobile Blackberry with no problems. Maybe smartphones have more leeway.

I sure hope so. And I hope that this is what was meant, or at least intended, when the FCC stipulated "open applications" and "open devices" as an obligation of winners in the 700 MHz auctions.

Now if only the FCC prevails in court against Verizon Wireless and AT&T who are challenging aspects of the auction rules.

[Fire14]

Originally Posted by TeleTips Network

Now if only the FCC prevails in court against Verizon Wireless and AT&T who are challenging aspects of the auction rules.

I believe AT&T backed out of the challenge before the rules were agreed upon by the FCC & only Verizon is challenging it.

I am sure the FCC will ultimately win this, since they have been trying to make it a more open auction, the only thing that has been mentioned is this may get too expensive for the smaller regional carriers to afford the airwaves especially when you add more heavy weights like Google to the mix over just the other carriers.

[bobolito]

Originally Posted by TeleTips Network

It's not clear to me how this is newsworthy. In the US users can hardly download and install a new browser because most, if not all, of the handsets are locked....

Are you sure? Most handsets and smartphones allow to install and run 3rd party Java applications. There are millions of phones out there running Opera Mini.

[TeleTips Network]

Originally Posted by bobolito

Are you sure? Most handsets and smartphones allow to install and run 3rd party Java applications. There are millions of phones out there running Opera Mini.

Maybe so, I could be mistaken about how Mozilla's browser will get installed on handsets.

But given how close a browser gets to being a platform or even an OS, this is exactly the reason VzW are litigating the FCC: VzW do not want the user to have the "open devices" and "open applications" freedoms. It takes away too much control from the mobile operator and empowers the user to bypass the operator's charging mechanisms.

Check out the disclaimer on the Opera Mini home page. To paraphrase, "The service is not available to Verizon Wireless subscribers yet." It would be more accurate to say "VzW subscribers, don't hold your breath."