Telefónica and Sony Mobile to develop Firefox OS device

Telefónica and Sony Mobile are to collaborate on developing devices running Mozilla’s Firefox OS open source mobile platform.

Sony Mobile said it will also work with other operator partners on developing Firefox OS devices.

Telefónica has also signed a ‘multi-year’ deal confirming its support for Sony Mobile’s 2013 Xperia Android device portfolio.

Speaking during Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Bob Ishida, deputy CEO and head of products business group at Sony Mobile Communications, said: 'At Sony Mobile we continue to evaluate innovative technologies that can help deliver the premium user experiences that Sony’s consumers expect.

'Our engineers are now working with Firefox OS Mobile and HTML5, evolving technologies which show great potential. In addition, we continue to work with our operator partners, including Telefónica, on a development project with an ambition to bring a product to market in 2014.’

Marieta del Rivero, group devices director at Telefónica said: ‘Sony’s Xperia Z and Xperia Tablet Z are stunning devices that really raise the bar when it comes to the premium smartphone and tablet segment- and we’re delighted to be partnering to bring these to market across a number of our global channels.

'As well as the great opportunity we have in 2013, our further collaboration around a possible device on the Firefox OS mobile platform will create the opportunity to reach new segments of the market, allowing us to provide an even wider choice of premium Sony device offerings for our customers.’

The Firefox open source mobile platform will enable devices to be manufactured to totally open web standards.

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