The global availability of the ZTE Open through eBay means that more consumers worldwide are now able, for the first time, to buy an affordable smartphone based entirely on open web standards. The ZTE Open is powered by Firefox OS, which frees developers, operators and consumers from the constraints of existing closed ecosystems by using the Web as the platform for all functionality and applications.
Mr. Dai Wenhong, VP of ZTE Corporation said, “It is great honor to launch the ZTE Open Firefox OS phone worldwide through eBay. ZTE is devoted to providing more options for customers globally and enabling them to live better lives via advanced technology. The ZTE Open offers customers a smartphone experience at an incredible price point, making it ideal for cost conscious consumers or those looking to upgrade to a smartphone for the first time.”
Dr. Li Gong, Mozilla Senior VP of Mobile Devices continued, “Mozilla is dedicated to moving the Web forward as a platform for innovation and building products that people love. We are pleased that now we will put the full power of the Web in even more people’s hands. With a great potential user base, we know that even more developers around the world will create their apps with new APIs to stimulate an inspiring new wave of innovation.”
The ZTE Open offers all the functions expected from a smartphone – calls, messaging, email, camera – plus additional experiences that people really want, such as built-in social integration with Facebook and Twitter, location-based services like Nokia HERE maps which include local transit and traffic information and much-loved features like the Firefox Web browser and the Firefox Marketplace. Applications already available on the Firefox Marketplace include: eBay; Badoo; Terra; KAYAK; The Weather Channel; TMZ,; AOL; Wikipedia; CNNMoney; Huffington Post; TIME; Facebook; Airbnb; Time Out; Twitter and SoundCloud.
The ZTE Open is one of the first Firefox OS smartphones that is powered completely by Web technologies. Firefox OS features a revolutionary new search capability that allows the device to adapt to the user’s changing needs and is only built into Firefox OS. Swipe to the right from the home screen and enter a search term and the phone will customize itself to that search. For example, search for an artist and get results to buy songs, watch music videos, buy concert tickets and even listen to them instantly without having to download and install any apps.