The future of open web device – and its potential for emerging markets

By , 16 September 2012 at 01:09
The future of open web device – and its potential for emerging markets
Digital Life

The future of open web device – and its potential for emerging markets

By , 16 September 2012 at 01:09

Earlier this month, Telefonica Digital’s Carlos Domingo joined Mozilla’s CEO Gary Kovacs in an energy-packed event to discuss the future of open web device and Telefonica and Mozilla’s joint efforts in creating a better device particularly for developing markets like Latin America.

In addition to showcasing screenshots of how the Mozilla open web browser can replicate state-of-the-art smartphone experiences for end users, Carlos and Gary shared perspective on why both companies are collaborating to address the growing need for a device that provides smart capabilities to these developing markets.

Attendees at the event were interested in how HTML5 and open web devices can penetrate developing countries, where smartphone penetration stands at approximately 16% and the performance of current devices is not providing a positive end user experience. Reporter Quentin Hardy of the New York Times writes: “The smartphones going into the world’s next two billion pairs of hands may not belong to either Google or Apple, but to Mozilla.”

With more than 215 million subscribers in Latin America, Telefonica Digital is actively supporting the effort to deliver best in class experiences to its subscribers at a lower price point than current smartphones in the market.

Additionally, Bonnie Cha and Liz Gannes of All Things Digital posted a story that highlighted how the device they received a demo of at the event created a “smart” smartphone experience in a web browser. The reporters were particularly impressed at the opportunity this provides those that are currently using feature phones in emerging markets.

Overall, the event left attendees appreciating the vast opportunity that this open web device approach provides for the global market, and both Mozilla and Telefonica Digital reinforced the notion that the mobile device evolution needs to go beyond established markets like the U.S. and Europe in order to have the greatest impact.

This event sparked strong interest in this collaboration and got the attendees dreaming of a world that goes way beyond currently available connectivity, blurring the divide between those who currently can have a smart phone and be connected and those who have been unable to do so. Mozilla and Telefonica look forward to continuing to drive this impactful initiative forward.

 

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