Mozilla launches cheap smartphone in India

The first low-cost smartphone running the Mozilla Firefox operating system is to be released to Indian customers for 1,999 rupees (19.90), reports BBC News.

The Intex Cloud FX will be sold exclusively on Snapdeal, an online shopping site in India, and joins other devices in the rapidly growing low-cost smartphone market in the country.

Dr. Li Gong, President of Mozilla, said: "It is exciting to see the Intex Cloud FX now available as the first Firefox OS device in India and Asia. The positive consumer feedback from other markets tells us that people like the unique user experience and openness we're building with Firefox OS.

"With support from Intex, Firefox OS smartphones in the ultra-low-cost category will redefine the entry-level smartphone and create strong momentum in Asia."

The phone has been designed with new adopters in mind, seeking to entice those using feature' phones to upgrade to a low-end smartphone for the first time.

Some of the most popular and widely-used smartphone apps, such as Facebook and Twitter, will be available on the Mozilla phone, though apps will be limited when compared to Android and iOS.

Bryan Ma from IDC told the BBC: "The price point is what will grab the market's attention, but that's just one factor in all this.

"It's the ecosystem we look at or what kind of applications are available on the phone. That is more worth talking about."

The Intex Cloud FX will have a 4GB memory, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and dual-SIM capabilities.