Firefox OS available for test on desktop computers

Mozilla has made their Firefox OS operating system available for test on desktop computers.

Initially known by the code name Boot to Gecko, Mozilla’s operating system has become Firefox OS. Based on the Linux kernel, Firefox OS is being aimed at smartphones which require Web aspects like the HTML5, CSS3 and JavaScript technologies.

To do this, Firefox OS uses the Gecko engine, known as that used in the Firefox browser, to execute applications written in HTML5. Numerous applications like the address book are for example written in HTML5.

Tony Chung from Mozilla explains that Firefox OS is based on three software layers: Gonk (the Linux core and low level elements), Gecko (finishing engine, Web API) and Gaia (HTML and JavaScript user interface).

Mozilla has started by publishing development versions of "Firefox OS" which are offered with code name Boot2Gecko (B2G). These allow you to test a B2G environment on a desktop computer (Windows, OS X, Linux). This allows you to test Web sites or apps via a B2G client.

For such a test, you will need to install the latest version of the Gaia code from the Github depot and create a profile to be able to use the environment. The required steps are listed on this wiki and this blog.

By betting on the web, Mozilla is continuing to bet on the open web compared to closed systems like Apple’s iOS and a few instances of Android.

The first handsets equipped with Firefox OS are expected in early 2013. Numerous carriers have shown their interest in Firefox OS including Deutsche Telekom, Etisalat, Smart, Sprint, Telecom Italia, Telenor and Telefonica.

With Telefonica, Mozilla has planned on launching a range of Firefox OS smartphone’s in Brazil developed by ZTE and TCL. They will be powered by ARM SnapDragon processors.