BackIntex launches Firefox smartphone for Rs1,999
The Cloud FX, which Intex claims is the cheapest smartphone in India, will be sold through e-commerce firm Snapdeal
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New Delhi: Domestic handset maker Intex has launched a Firefox OS based mobile phone for Rs1,999, targetted at capturing a larger chunk of the booming affordable smartphone market in India.
The Cloud FX, which Intex claims is the cheapest smartphone in India, will be sold through online marketplace Snapdeal. “This dual SIM-handset is for those looking to upgrade from feature phones without worrying about the price or complexity of a smartphone. We are confident that it will find great traction, especially in Tier II and III cities," Intex technologies director (Marketing) Keshav Bansal told PTI. Intex aims to sell close to five lakh units of the device over the next three months, he added.
Software major Mozilla Foundation, which runs Firefox browser, had showcased a smartphone prototype costing $25 at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in February, targeted at developing countries including India and China.
It had partnered Intex and Spice from India for launching these low-cost devices in the country, which is the fastest growing smartphone market globally, according to research firm IDC. Spice had last week announced the launch of Fire One Mi FX 1, for Rs2,299. It will be available from 29 August.
“India is a very important market for us. Firefox OS smartphones in ultra lowcost category will redefine the entry-level smartphones segment and we think these devices are going to create another momentum in Asia," said Jane Hsu, director (product marketing) at Mozilla.
The Intex Cloud FX is powered by Firefox OS and 1 GHz processor. It has 128MB RAM, 256MB memory (expandable upto 4GB), 2MP rear and VGA front camera and 1,250 mAh battery.
However, the phone does not fully support apps and users will have to use a browser to access Internet and other apps. Intex has also partnered Aircel to offer 1GB free data for two months as well as free access to Facebook for the same period, bundled with the device.
Handset makers are betting big on mobile internet to reach out to newer audiences. Various reports suggest that the next billion population accessing the internet for the first time will do so on their phones instead of personal computers.
Companies such as Microsoft, which acquired Nokia’s handset division, are also targeting the affordable smartphone category aggressively, estimating it to be a $50 billion annual opportunity.
The smartphone market in India grew at 84% year- on-year to 18.42 million units in Q2 2014 from 10.02 million units (in April-June 2013 quarter), according to IDC.
Korean handset maker Samsung led the smartphone market with 29% share, followed by Micromax 18%, Karbonn 8% and Lava 6%, according to IDC report.
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