Firefox OS Powered Flame Available For Pre-order; Ships Globally 109
sfcrazy (1542989) writes "Developers need access to device running the platform for which they develop. Nexus was Google's reference device and now Mozilla is coming out with its own device. Mozilla has opened pre-order for Flame, its Firefox OS reference devices for $170 including free shipping."
Specs are, of course, modest: a dual core 1.2GHz snapdragon, 1G of RAM, 8G of flash, an 854×480 4.5" screen, and a 5MP camera. Now, if only they would release a device with a keyboard.
Expensive (Score:3, Insightful)
I can get a moto g for 179 $ that has more software, a quad core processor and a better screen. This won't cut it.
Re:Expensive (Score:4, Insightful)
I can get a moto g for 179 $ that has more software, a quad core processor and a better screen. This won't cut it.
Apples. Oranges. And all that.
Jesus, now I understand why your leaders call you 'consumers' and not 'citizens' these days...
Re: (Score:3)
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Yeah, It seems like that would be a very likely outcome. As phones like the Moto G come down in price and up in quality, I'm not sure there is much of a niche for firefox os to exist in. Furthermore, my app's niche is not the same as those buying a phone that works as terribly as firefox os phones.
Re: (Score:3)
The more important question is: Why would you develop for FirefoxOS in the first place?
I dunno - maybe because you want to see a more free, more open mobile OS that you have more control over? One that Google doesn't have a zillion hooks into? One that offers the user more control over the permissions that apps are granted?
Asking "why would you develop for firefox", (as opposed to Android, Apple, or whatever), is kind of like asking why one would develop for Linux as opposed to Windows.
Re: (Score:2)
Good luck to you. I shan't be an early adopter.
Okay, just don't expect anyone to care.
Price a bit steep for lowest end platform (Score:2, Informative)
You can get a JIAYU G4S for around $180
It has 1.7Ghz 8 Core CPU
2GB of RAM
1280x720 Display
13 MP Camera
So $170 for something with the specs of a under $100 phone seems lame.
Is this legacy of a design taking too long to come to market?
Re: (Score:2, Insightful)
I think you missed that this is a developer reference device to allow developers to get cracking before the main market hits.
There is a certain advantage to having your product available before the mass market adoption of a platform kicks in.
Re: (Score:2)
You know what else is an advantage before mass market adoption? Specs which will lead to mass market adoption.
These aint it.
Re: (Score:2)
If the final shipping price for a unit with these specs is around $60, then it may sell.
I expect a year from now, the no name $60 smartphones with Android will have similar specs.
Re: (Score:2)
You can get an almost identically-specified Windows 8.1 Nokia Lumia 520 for $59.99, no contract. The only thing it's missing is a camera flash and a front-facing camera for video chats (Skype still works, it just points the wrong way.)
The latest developer rev of Windows Phone has word flow keyboard, which turns touch-screen typing from painfully intolerable to pretty cool.
Even Blackberry, giving it's Playbooks away to developers, couldn't get the adoption jump-started, so I don't know how an overpriced Fir
Re: (Score:2)
I'll be waiting for something without DRM baked in (Score:1)
I'll be waiting for something without DRM baked in (Score:3)
Just FYI, the DRM is only being added to desktop Firefox. Not Firefox OS at this time (they did somewhat leave this open, but have no plans).
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:1)
how do you expect to be able to rent movies and television programs produced by major studios?
I don't intend to rent these things, or buy these things. If it's produced by a studio which uses DRM I don't want it to be in my life.
Outvoted (Score:2)
Why?? (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Launching a new OS that only works on $700 smartphones? Good luck with that. How about making sure developers write apps that work on typical, average phones?
Re: (Score:2)
Color and digital zoom (Score:2)
scrap the 5 MP camera which is a complete joke when your screen is 0.4 MP
For one thing, the color filter eats at least half your image sensor's megapixels. Digital zoom (essentially, cropping a photo after shooting it) eats another three-fourths of what's left. Now you're down to 0.6 usable MP.
how long will it be supported for? (Score:2)
1 year? 2 years? I really want manufacturer's to start having a public EOL date at launch. I'm tired of buying phones and having them go into no-update land...
Re: (Score:1)
My desktop PC didn't come with an EOL date, and that's the way I like it. If the maker of one OS decides to end support, I can install a different OS. That's because the PC is an open platform. Before I can take phones and tablets seriously, three things must happen: 1) These devices must adhere to a hardware standard that is completely supported by multiple independent operating systems, 2) the same OS must run on hardware made by different manufacturers, 3) fixing software vulnerabilities must not depend
Re: (Score:2)
While too short for taste, Nexus devices at least have a well defined/known EOL, so they're good for that.
Too bad the nexus program is probably not gonna go on for much longer though :(
Re: (Score:2)
Asa answered this question elsewhere to the extent that the company supplying the hardware has a 12 month contract to supply updates.
So probably not much official support from the manufacturer but the ability to build from source by being an official Mozilla build target. Hence as much support from the b2g community as Nexus devices do.
Firefox OS uses the Android infrastructure for builds. It is powered by Qualcomm. So should be relatively easy to port Cyanogenmod to it, were one to switch OSes.
keyface (Score:1)
is the word you wanted, no?
Shipped devices (Score:2)
Of course, I think the odds of this happening is still dependent on who you are. Say, for example, a Guardian journalist with a company-issued laptop.
I firmly believe this is why the GCHQ methodically destroyed certain specific areas within their laptops (not just the hard drives): they were obliterating the components
Re: (Score:2)
Developing nations? Funny you should say that. http://tech.co/firefox-os-phon... [tech.co]
Comment removed (Score:4, Insightful)
Re: (Score:2)
So any app written for Firefox OS is *theoretically* instantly portable to any other smartphone. I say theoretically because each gecko alternative (webkit etc) needs to implement the Javascript APIs that Mozilla are standardising through the W3C.
(In the meantime, target a common api like Cordova)
HTML5 apps might never achieve the 'shiny' of an objective-c native app but for many
One big PLUS (Score:2)
Unless you're Japanese:
Mozilla has ensured that unlike Google devices, non-US developers won’t be deprived of the devices. The phone will be shipped free of cost anywhere in the world except for Japan
Re: (Score:3)
Unless you're Japanese:
Mozilla has ensured that unlike Google devices, non-US developers won’t be deprived of the devices. The phone will be shipped free of cost anywhere in the world except for Japan
This is all explained in plain language here: http://www.mozilla.jp/firefox/... [mozilla.jp]
Can't read that? Then it's probably not your concern. The short version is that government certification is pending, and interested parties are being prompted to sign up for an email notification when the Japanese government finally signs off on the devices.
Verizon (Score:2)
Dang. Why is it that none of these devices are ever available on Verizon? Its the 2nd most popular carrier in the US, and yet we never get these straight-pay phones for it. Their "full price" phones you actually buy from them are prices basically at a premium/penalized rate to get you to renew the contract, while the $200-300 phones from Google and this are unavailable :(.
Re: (Score:2)
That's because Verizon doesn't do SIM cards, like AT&T, T-Mobile, and the rest of the world.
Up until recently that was true, but all 4G LTE Verizon phones have SIM cards too.
Re: (Score:2)
Works for me.... (Score:2)
if your are targeting the 'average phone' this is a reasonable spec. Developing for the S5 only is a small market.
This sounds a lot like my samsung galaxy s2x (aka hercules). Bought it xmas 2012 for $150. It has 16G and 8M camera. The screen is 4.5 x 850ishx480ish Super Amoled+ and it looks fantastic. Seriously. It compares well the the wifes N5. Si far no lag.
Seems reasonable for a low cost entry to development to me.
No, thanks. (Score:1)
want to try (Score:1)
Re:LOL (Score:5, Insightful)
A physical keyboard is far superior to an on-screen keyboard, swype included. Too bad Blackberry sucks.
Re:LOL (Score:5, Insightful)
Physical keyboard is more akin to a standard transmission. In theory more powerful and flexible,but for a lot of regular people, just kind of gets in the way.
Soft keyboards have gotten good enough I just stopped caring.
Re: (Score:1)
Exactly. Most people are terrible typists so for them a hardware keyboard provides no noticeable benefit. The speed typists tend to forget that they represent a minority of people.
Re: (Score:1)
Exactly. Most people are terrible typists so for them a hardware keyboard provides no noticeable benefit. The speed typists tend to forget that they represent a minority of people.
Every time I read a statement like this, I think of this [youtube.com].
Minority still have needs (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
http://www.amazon.com/s?field-... [amazon.com]
Re: (Score:2)
Because this is private enterprise in a non-command economy, so producers are free to all pursue soft-keyboard and boner pills if they so chose and dismiss physical keyboards and cures for cancer.
(As an aside, this also highlights the dangers of political theories that assume an economy in equilibrium.)
Entry barrier (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
It's not a functional "non-command economy" so long as manufacturers abuse patents and carriers abuse their spectrum monopolies. Otherwise a new firm could enter the market and serve the minority.
Picked up on that did you? How can there be a free market as long as anyone that becomes successful immediately works very hard to destroy it You figure that the largest corporations are going to say, Okay, "We'll make less money if we have any competition?" So let's encourage as much coompetition as possible!"
Rules? Regulations? That shackles the free market. So that won't work.
No rules, no regulations? Well then the biggest will eat everyone else for breakfast. So that won't work.
If this was a 60's
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
It ceases to be a free market when government, under the guise of "regulation," can be lobbied by the already-successful to harm new or existing competitors.
Despite how you microdefine it, it does not matter. It is human nature. And in any pure system, the human nature will eventually destroy the system. Which is why you have to have checks and balances.
The free market is based on greed. No problem, it is a powerful motivating force. Harnessing greed makes a lot of good things.
But it is the height of self delusion to think that the greediest and therefore most successful will suddenly stop wanting to accumulate more wealth. They will then turn to using some
Re: (Score:2)
Because this is private enterprise in a non-command economy, so producers are free to all pursue soft-keyboard and boner pills if they so chose and dismiss physical keyboards and cures for cancer.
(As an aside, this also highlights the dangers of political theories that assume an economy in equilibrium.)
You forgot about Brawndo. dude!
Re: (Score:2)
Then simply buy a bluetooth keyboard and be happy. If hardware keyboards were really as popular as you're trying to insinuate then there would be more phones that have them. The fact of the matter is that you're a niche minority not worth chasing.
Re: (Score:1)
Yeah, wanting a hardware keyboard on a cell phone isn't a bad thing. Sometimes function > form. My suspicion is that the old buggy whip meme used in this context is by an iphone worshiping ladyboy in a fedora.
Physical keyboards are nice in the sense that you have some god damn feedback about where you're thumbs are on the keyboard. there are occasions you'd like to be able to type something in a search box or dial a number without having to look at the phone. an onscreen keyboard doesn't do this.
Just be
Re: (Score:1)
Yeah, wanting a hardware keyboard on a cell phone isn't a bad thing.
No one said wanting one was bad. The point is that the average consumer doesn't care about the theoretical benefits that they won't see.
Physical keyboards are nice in the sense that you have some god damn feedback about where you're thumbs are on the keyboard. there are occasions you'd like to be able to type something in a search box or dial a number without having to look at the phone. an onscreen keyboard doesn't do this.
This assumes that most people are touch typists. Most people are henpeckers who stare at their keyboards when typing. This is why hardware keyboards only appeal to a niche market.
Just because something is old does not make it automatically inferior.
And just because something is old does not make it better.
Re: (Score:2)
Yeah, wanting a hardware keyboard on a cell phone isn't a bad thing.
No one said wanting one was bad. The point is that the average consumer doesn't care about the theoretical benefits that they won't see.
So I guess in your world,"Here comes Honey Boo-Boo" should be the only program because some folks like it?
If you don't want a hardware keyboard, then don't get one.
But you can also skip getting all preachy about catering to the lowest common denominator like it is something superior.
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Adding a keyboard to the design of a phone causes the production-price to go up, resulting either in a costlier product (i.e. less sales, since most buy the cheapest available), or lower profit.
As a result, the manufacturers are disinclined to make such devices, independently of there being a market for them..
Note: No saying that there is a notable market for phones w/ keyboard, only that it has to be a much-desired feature to warrant production.
Re: (Score:2)
Then simply buy a bluetooth keyboard and be happy. If hardware keyboards were really as popular as you're trying to insinuate then there would be more phones that have them. The fact of the matter is that you're a niche minority not worth chasing.
Preach it brother! Yes, because all revolves around the smartphone. I do all my programming on a smartphone, and it works a hell of a lot better, faster, and more accurate than any old school hardware keyboard.
Re: (Score:1)
Soft keyboard s are a grate idea. I'm used in one rightly now add as you can sea, it workings 100% of the timetable. My co workings have commented one how much more understatement I am now that I have a soft keyboard. The auto correct never mind makes a mistaken! C
Re: (Score:2)
go duck yourself.
(Yes; this is a joke. at no point ever have i ever meant "that ducking rat bastard.")
Re: (Score:2)
Speech to text works great with my rather bland general American accent.
Re: (Score:1)
Re: (Score:2)
A physical keyboard is far superior to an on-screen keyboard, swype included. Too bad Blackberry sucks.
It would also be fair to say a pen is far superior then a computer keyboard... and the statement would be just as accurate as yours. Try and draw a picture of a horse using your keyboard... yea, you could pull it off, but it would be a total pain and would look terrible. That probably summarizes every argument you'd have to backup your statement as well.
Just because you can do more with a tool, doesn't mean that tool is better for every given situation. For what I do on my phone, the touchscreen is the best
Re: (Score:2)
That's why I don't own touch screen devices : the pen is missing, except for some very rare models (Surface Pro, and a Tegra Note maybe). They had pens in the 90s and the DS had one. It's more precise than using the finger, so it seems useful. Drawing and handwriting is fun and useful too. Let me handwrite on the things! I'd have basically unlimited "sheets", always accessible, backed up and transmitted where I want to.
In particular, you could do maths on it (which requires the ability to draw any arbitrary
Pen loss, multitouch, and Wacom's patents (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Try and draw a picture of a horse using your keyboard... yea, you could pull it off, but it would be a total pain and would look terrible.
Some of us have great appreciation for ASCII art, you insensitive clod.
Re: (Score:1)
watch blackberry 10, it's more advanced and faster than android
Re: (Score:2)
That's a matter of opinion. I for one hate physical keyboards. My fat thumbs don't get along with them. The on-screen ones don't require any pressure making them much easier for me.
Re: (Score:3)
Only because something is newer than something else, it is not neccessarily better.
A Keyboard is still the fastest way to enter a text. Perhaps one day there will be brain implants that provide more throughput, but until then the keyboard will be the most superior way to enter information.
Re: (Score:1)
Have you ever actually observed the average consumer using a keyboard? They are very inefficient typists regardless of whether they have a physical or software keyboard. Manual transmissions are also more efficient yet the average car owner prefers an automatic because a stick shift either provides no noticeable gain to them or not enough of one to be worth the effort.
Re: (Score:2)
I have - all my old colleagues who had those old blackberries - looks pants, but held carefully in both hands, their thumbs whizzed about the little keyboard. They looked happy too.
And then we used to have ancient windows mobile devices, pretty shit and I used to laugh at the on-call engineers who had to carry them, but they all chose the fat ones with slide-out full keyboards (like the htc desire z [gsmarena.com]) and they would tap out mails quite happily.
Most people get what they're told to have by the media. Its got a
Re: (Score:1)
I have - all my old colleagues who had those old blackberries - looks pants, but held carefully in both hands, their thumbs whizzed about the little keyboard. They looked happy too.
Biased sample and unrepresentative of the average consumer. The average phone owner wasn't a crackberry user.
Most people get what they're told to have by the media.
*yawn* Not this stupid "sheeple" argument.
I would like one manufacturer to stop chasing the idea of being the number 1, and instead settle for making the different phone for people who want that kind of thing.
You had that with Blackberry who kept releasing phones with hardware keyboards. Their Q10 with a hardware keyboard was an abysmal failure.
Re: (Score:2)
Have you ever actually observed the average consumer using a keyboard? They are very inefficient typists regardless of whether they have a physical or software keyboard\
Tru nf! my sfwr kbds gr8! LOL. This is the biggest difference between the hardware keyboard and the software ones. Wheras with a hardware keyboard, I can easily type out the words, so I do.
On a tablet, it takes a fair amount longer, more mistakes
On a smartphone? It sucks, so I only compose anything if I absolutely have to. Then it's GR8!
Re: (Score:2)
True that, but not a phone keyboard. If I wanted to write a novel, at the very least I'd bring an ultra-portable. Heck, even long work emails would be tedious on a phone. So it's for people who need that capability in the form factor of a phone, which is putting an awful lot of focus on one particular need. If all I had was hay and no gas, a horse would beat a car. And if I was starving, I'd rather try eating the horse. I'd rather ride through a forest with a horse. What most people want to do is better ser
Re: LOL (Score:1)