Firefox OS, Ubuntu Touch champion alternative mobile platforms, target emerging markets (VIDEO)

ISTANBUL, March 5 — While Android and iOS together account for over 96 per cent of the smartphones sold worldwide according to IDC, a few open-source mobile operating systems are attempting to challenge their hegemony. The most established among them, Firefox OS and Ubuntu Touch, continue to add new partnerships with device makers and operators, namely to bring their systems to emerging markets.

At Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Mozilla announced new devices compatible with its mobile platform, Firefox OS, as well as a tie-up with the operator Orange to expand its distribution network in Africa and the Middle East. The partnership will materialise this spring with the launch of a 3G Firefox OS smartphone in Egypt, Senegal, Tunisia, Madagascar and Mauritius. Manufactured by Alcatel, the new device will be sold with a reduced-rate plan. By the end of 2015, Firefox OS is expected to be offered on a total of 17 devices in around 40 countries.

Two years after its official launch, also in Barcelona, Firefox OS is now positioned as a multi-device system that will eventually make its way to all types of screens (smartphones, tablets, TVs, cars, smartwatches, etc.).

Meanwhile, the software publisher Canonical offers Ubuntu Touch as an open-source OS that, in theory, is compatible with any screen of between six and 20 inches and with a resolution of between 100 and 450ppi. Consumers can already find the platform on a number of devices. In Europe, Ubuntu Touch is available on the BQ Aquaris E4.5 and on a dedicated version of the Meizu MX4. Online, smartphone users will find several more or less stable ports, or software solutions by independent developers that allow Ubuntu Touch to be installed on Android devices. Originally, Ubuntu was designed as a mobile version of the Linux OS for PCs.

Firefox OS will expand its presence in Africa and the Middle East through a device to be marketed by Orange with its Klif plan. — AFP pic

There is also an underdog among the underdogs attempting to break into the market. Sailfish is a derivation of Meego, the OS formerly used by Nokia before the brand switched over to Windows Phone. In principle, this OS developed by Jolla is able to run Android apps.

Watch a video on the Firefox OS: www.youtu.be/5cLnLM0egCY
Watch a video on Ubuntu Touch: www.youtu.be/-dpfHYpfEXY

Mobile World Congress wraps up Thursday, March 5 in Barcelona. — AFP-Relaxnews