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guys, this is not aimed at the general public. These are unlocked phones for developers. They have features to make it easier to simulate different memory const

by soapdog 12y ago

guys, this is not aimed at the general public. These are unlocked phones for developers. They have features to make it easier to simulate different memory constraints and run different versions of Firefox OS. This is not a plan or a move or an intention of Mozilla to get into hardware making. This is just a program to empower developers to have the tools to better develop and test their apps.

hardwaresofton 12y ago
I disagree a little bit -- why not for the general public? reference implementation phones aren't necessarily just-for-developers -- i.e. nexus line...
- serf 12y ago
  extra costs incurred to the consumer for features that they're unwilling to pay for normally. (software ram limiting, dual sim, OS revisioning/partitioning, etc)
  - hrrsn 12y ago
    Dual SIM is hugely popular in non western countries and I would expect any phone to be able to wipe and restore it's OS.
- soapdog 12y ago
  There is nothing stopping the general public from buying it. It is a great device. But if you as a company plan to offer something for the general public this means some implications such as: * providing a end user/customer general support system that is really different than supporting developers. * polishing versions to the point of not being dangerous or buggy. This device supports nightly updates and anyone doing nightly updates of a mobile OS knows this is a move that comes with a lot of emotion and surprise ;-) * creating a logistic solution to keep your supply line going and establishing channels for sales point and management The list goes on and on. Of course Mozilla has some of this in place for its current run of end user targeted devices but it is all done in partnership with hardware makes such as LG, Alcatel and ZTE who already have end user support and logistics sorted out. This device is being built by an ODM.... its a different ball game. The difference between selling to developers and selling to end users is not about the hardware itself. Its about scale, expectations and guarantees. They are really different and require a huge amount of money which Mozilla could use elsewhere. Its like Raspberry Pis. They are really popular and now we see lots of non-developers buying and playing with it and being happy but there is a difference in the services and guarantees you have when you go with a Raspberry Pi or when you go with a DELL/Lenovo/HP. Disclaimer: This is my opinion only.

by soapdog 12y ago

hardwaresofton 12y ago

I disagree a little bit -- why not for the general public? reference implementation phones aren't necessarily just-for-developers -- i.e. nexus line...

serf 12y ago
extra costs incurred to the consumer for features that they're unwilling to pay for normally. (software ram limiting, dual sim, OS revisioning/partitioning, etc)
- hrrsn 12y ago
  Dual SIM is hugely popular in non western countries and I would expect any phone to be able to wipe and restore it's OS.
soapdog 12y ago
There is nothing stopping the general public from buying it. It is a great device. But if you as a company plan to offer something for the general public this means some implications such as: * providing a end user/customer general support system that is really different than supporting developers. * polishing versions to the point of not being dangerous or buggy. This device supports nightly updates and anyone doing nightly updates of a mobile OS knows this is a move that comes with a lot of emotion and surprise ;-) * creating a logistic solution to keep your supply line going and establishing channels for sales point and management The list goes on and on. Of course Mozilla has some of this in place for its current run of end user targeted devices but it is all done in partnership with hardware makes such as LG, Alcatel and ZTE who already have end user support and logistics sorted out. This device is being built by an ODM.... its a different ball game. The difference between selling to developers and selling to end users is not about the hardware itself. Its about scale, expectations and guarantees. They are really different and require a huge amount of money which Mozilla could use elsewhere. Its like Raspberry Pis. They are really popular and now we see lots of non-developers buying and playing with it and being happy but there is a difference in the services and guarantees you have when you go with a Raspberry Pi or when you go with a DELL/Lenovo/HP. Disclaimer: This is my opinion only.