GMA Brandtalk
Tracking
Archives
Filtered by: Scitech
SciTech
Geeksphone's Firefox OS smartphones swiftly sold out
They'd barely gone on sale online when the first smartphones running Mozilla's HTML5-powered "Firefox OS" operating system got "sold out", a tech site reported Tuesday night (Manila time).
A report on CNET stated Spanish retailer Geeksphone ran out of the two Firefox OS phones, with its website indicating the two models are "out of stock."
Quoting a spokeswoman for Geeksphone, CNET said that at around 6:15 a.m., PT Tuesday, the phones "are currently out of stock due to great demand," but the online sale was "expected to restart in the following hours."
As of 9:48 p.m. Tuesday, Manila time, the Geeksphone shop site displayed the message: “In order to perform site maintenance, our online shop has shut down temporarily. We apologize for the inconvenience and ask that you please try again later.”
CNET said that of the two Firefox OS phones, the budget-oriented Keon sold out more quickly than the performance-oriented Peak.
Earlier, The Next Web said Geeksphone is initially targeting developers who want to build apps for Firefox OS - meaning mostly those interested in mobile and HTML5.
The Next Web also said Geeksphone can potentially manufacture up to roughly 5,000 devices per day, "but that all depends on if there’s enough demand down the line."
The Keon model, powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 1Ghz processor, 4 GB (ROM) and 512 MB (RAM), will have a 3.5-inch″ HVGA touchscreen and a 3-megapixel camera. It will cost some 115 euros or 91 euros with VAT excluded.
The Peak model, which runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 1.2Ghz chip and sports a 4.3-inch qHD IPS screen and two cameras (8 MP on the back and 2 MP on the front), will cost 180 euros or 149 euros without VAT.
The Next Web also quoted Mozilla as saying Firefox OS devices will be initially available in Brazil, Colombia, Hungary, Mexico, Montenegro, Poland, Serbia, Spain and Venezuela.
"Exact launch timing is decided by and dependent on our partners," it quoted Mozilla as saying.
The Next Web noted Geeksphone initially focused on building smartphones running Google's Android but switched to Firefox OS last year.
Agüera said this was because Firefox OS has a chance due to Mozilla's global, engaged developer audience and a strong brand with Firefox.
He also said Mozilla can count on broad industry support as well as support from telcos worldwide.
"Many of its current and future carrier partners operate in countries where people are still to purchase their first true smartphone, so Argüera has a point when he says the market is still young and growing, and it does remain unclear how it will continue to develop in the future," it added. – KDM, GMA News
Find out your candidates' profile
Find the latest news
Find out individual candidate platforms
Choose your candidates and print out your selection.
Voter Demographics
