IT experts are expecting the smartphone by Mozilla's Firefox OS priced at $25 (RM81.90) to be a hit should it be available in Malaysia. It will also create a market especially for those on a tight budget.
According to statistics, Malaysia now has five million smartphone users and Malaysia's total population is 28 million. It will create a market for those who have yet to purchase a smart phone due to its high price.
Digital News Asia co-founder and contributing editor Edwin Yapp said this smartphone will create a niche market.
"It will generally appeal to those in the lower-budget segment (below RM200) and perhaps those who are using feature-based phones rather than the mid-to upper smartphone market," said Edwin.
He added that the success of any smart phone is dependent on things like app ecosytem and if there are enough Apps available. It also has to do with branding, specifications and reliability.
"Android phones are backed by big names: Samsung, HTC, Sony, LG, Motorola and to a lesser extent, Huawei, ZTE, etc. The first five are generally very good handset makers. The specifications of these phones produced by them are also good and that helped sales of Android handset grow.
"Not much is known about Spreadtrum, the handset maker which Mozilla has partner," he said.
NextUpAsia.com founder Daniel CerVentus said Mozilla has an established branding and is famous among internet users.
"No doubt many people will choose to buy a smartphone from iPhone and Samsung, but this smartphone (Mozilla) is designed for those who require only the essential features such as phone call, messaging like WhatsApp, camera and the internet .
"Android users do not necessarily use all of the applications available on Android. They're not even maximisng the feature," said Daniel.
Founder of the Watchtower & Friends, Shamsul Jafni said this phone will be a hit in the Malaysian market.
"I will buy this phone. It will get a positive response from those who may not be able to afford a smartphone. At the same time , those who already own a smartphone will probably buy it as a second phone. As it will cost around RM100, it very affordable," he said.
When asked if the Mozilla smartphone will help local app developers, he said it all depends on smart phone users if they are willing to buy the application.
"It is already difficult to get current smartphone users to buy the apps. So I'm not sure if those from this segment will actually purchase some apps, " he added.
On Monday, Mozilla announced the launch of a smartphone at a price of $25 for the developing country markets.
"We are also enabling a whole new category of smartphone, priced around $25 (18 euros), that will bring even more people around the world online," said Mozilla chief operating officer Jay Sullivan at the Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona .
It was also announced at the congress the launch of smartphones using the Firefox OS including China's ZTE Open C and Open II models and selected Alcatel OneTouch tablets.
Firefox OS made its debut in 2013 followed by the launch of their first smartphone in July. The operating system has now been marketed in 15 countries.
Syafique Shuib
Tue Feb 25 2014
Kejohanan Skuasy Dunia: Sivasangari, Eain Yow kandas di pusingan ketiga
Harapan Malaysia dalam Kejohanan Skuasy Dunia Persatuan Skuasy Profesional (PSA) 2023-2024 berakhir apabila kedua-dua S. Sivasangari dan Ng Eain Yow gagal melangkah ke suku akhir.
‘Beri ruang kepada Faisal jalani tempoh pemulihan’- Adam Adli
Faisal kini menunjukkan tanda-tanda positif dan keadaan kesihatannya bertambah baik.
Enam cedera, tiga parah nahas empat kenderaan
Kesemua yang cedera di bawa ke Hospital Pulau Pinang untuk rawatan lanjut.
Keluarga Faisal Halim kuat semangat - Adam Adli
Timbalan Menteri KBS, Adam Adli berkata, keluarga Faisal Halim berada dalam keadaan baik selain beliau turut dimaklumkan Faisal menunjukkan semangat yang tinggi untuk pulih.
Belia perlu ada integriti, harga diri dan maruah yang kuat - Adam Adli
Golongan belia perlu memiliki integriti, harga diri dan maruah yang kuat untuk muncul sebagai sebuah bangsa tidak kalah, tahan cabaran dan yakin dengan kebolehan diri sendiri.
Pemandu lori ditahan seleweng 1,800 liter diesel
Pemandu lori kanvas yang membawa muatan minyak diesel disyaki tidak memiliki dokumen atau permit kebenaran daripada KPDN.
Sediakan portal data untuk orang awam pantau keadaan pokok
Menurut Presiden Institut Arkitek Landskap Malaysia (ILAM), Profesor Madya LAr Dr. Nor Atiah Ismail,pihak berkuasa tempatan (PBT) harus ambil cakna untuk adakah sebuah portal data bagi pokok-pokok yang berada di Kuala Lumpur.
Pokok buluh boleh dijadikan sebagai penghalang kepada angin yang kuat
Menurut Presiden Institut Arkitek Landskap Malaysia (ILAM), Profesor Madya LAr Dr Nor Atiah Ismail, dengan adanya penghalang ini, ia daoat mengelakkan lebih kerap isu pokok tumbang daripada terjadi.
Lebih 8,000 permasalah ibadah dikemukakan sejak e-Taib diperkenal
Perkhidmatan menerusi aplikasi THhujjaj itu mendapat sambutan menggalakkan daripada jemaah di Tanah Suci dan juga mereka yang di tanah air.
Industri Padi: Strategi pengurusan perakaunan dalam kalangan pesawah
Bagaimana setiap pesawah padi boleh mengurus kewangan mereka dengan strategik di sebalik pelbagai cabaran? Kupasan bersama Koordinator (YSBC - Yunus Social Business Centre) UPM, Profesor Madya Dr Hasri Mustafa.
Telefon pintar $25 oleh Mozilla boleh laris di Malaysia - pakar IT
Telefon pintar berharga $25 yang bakal dikeluarkan Mozilla disambut baik oleh pakar IT tempatan kerana ia bakal membuka pasaran yang baharu.