LIVE FROM MOBILE ASIA EXPO 2014: Mozilla announced a series of developments in the mobile space, as it looks to keep up the momentum achieved by its Firefox OS, including new devices and another APAC operator partnership.

Following a partnership between Mozilla and Spreadtrum announced at Mobile World Congress earlier this year, targeting ultra low-cost devices, Mozilla said that a turnkey solution is available, with sample devices demonstrated here at Mobile Asia Expo.

In addition, Mozilla has partnered with Intex and Spice, two of India’s “leading mobile device brands”, to launch Firefox OS devices in India in the coming months.

Sanjay Kumar Kalirona, business head, mobile, at Intex, said: “The platform will give us an edge in upgrading buyers from feature phones to smartphones while making it affordable for the mass market”.

It is thought that the move could lead to the launch of the world’s first $25 smartphone.

Chunghwa Telecom, the largest operator in Taiwan, has also partnered with Mozilla to support Firefox OS, “bringing another powerful ally to the ecosystem”. The alliance takes the total to 22.

“Through the web-based Firefox OS, Chunghwa Telecom will be able to bring more value-added and customised mobile services and provide better user experiences in the mobile era,” said Lin Kuo-feng, president of the mobile business group at Chunghwa Telecom.

And two previously-announced smartphones being showcased at Mobile Asia Expo will also go on sale for the first time this summer – ZTE Open II and Alcatel OneTouch Fire E.

Li Gong, COO of Mozilla, noted: “With more accessible Firefox OS phones coming to India soon, and the addition of Chunghwa Telecom, Intex and Spice to our team of global partners, it is clear that momentum for Firefox OS is continuing to accelerate.”