Mozilla to launch Boot 2 Gecko mobile OS

Mozilla's Boot 2 Gecko 'web-based' mobile operating system is looking like it will make an initial appearance in early 2012 followed by a release later on in the year.

Mozilla's Boot 2 Gecko 'web-based' mobile operating system is looking like it will make an initial appearance in early 2012 followed by a release later on in the year.

The MozillaWiki states that a product demo could take place as early as Q4 2011, where a developer phone will be unveiled showcasing B2G's system (known as GONK), the platform's user interface and how Mozilla has integrated web-based technologies into a mobile platform.

B2G is based on the web and aims to give 'web developers the same capabilities as those building for OS-specific stacks' (like Android or iOS). Mozilla believes that the next frontier for Web applications is full device integration. It also 'believes that the web can displace proprietary, single-vendor stacks for application development.' The end result, according to Mozilla, will be a fully functioning PC/mobile operating system that will co-exist with Android, iOS and the rest. Mozilla is also keen to dispel any similarities one might perceive between B2G and Google's Chrome OS.

'We're aiming at mobile/tablet devices rather than a notebook form factor. This is an early-stage project to expose all device capabilities such that infrastructure like phone dialers can be built with Web APIs, and not only 'high level' apps like word processors and presentation software.' It added: 'we will of course be happy to work with the Chrome OS team on standards activities, and indeed to share source code where appropriate.' There's even been some UI designs leaked online, which we have to say look a lot like Apple's iOS set-up - lets just hope Mozilla has a good team of lawyers in place.

All in all this is a very interesting development and we're seriously excited about what Mozilla is attempting to do here - it's a seriously bold move and it takes guts. The market is pretty much saturated at present, even Microsoft is having a tough time breaking its Windows Phone 7 platform - and its got billions to spend on advertising as well.

Nonetheless, we always welcome some new innovation in the world of mobile technology. Let's just hope Mozilla comes to the table with something impressive.