IT experts expect Mozilla's smartphone to be a hit in Malaysia

According to statistics, Malaysia now has five million smartphone users and Malaysia's total population is 28 million. It will create a market for those who have yet to purchase a smart phone due to its high price.

Digital News Asia co-founder and contributing editor Edwin Yapp said this smartphone will create a niche market.

"It will generally appeal to those in the lower-budget segment (below RM200) and perhaps those who are using feature-based phones rather than the mid-to upper smartphone market," said Edwin.

He added that the success of any smart phone is dependent on things like app ecosytem and if there are enough Apps available. It also has to do with branding, specifications and reliability.

"Android phones are backed by big names: Samsung, HTC, Sony, LG, Motorola and to a lesser extent, Huawei, ZTE, etc. The first five are generally very good handset makers. The specifications of these phones produced by them are also good and that helped sales of Android handset grow.

"Not much is known about Spreadtrum, the handset maker which Mozilla has partner," he said.

NextUpAsia.com founder Daniel CerVentus said Mozilla has an established branding and is famous among internet users.

"No doubt many people will choose to buy a smartphone from iPhone and Samsung, but this smartphone (Mozilla) is designed for those who require only the essential features such as phone call, messaging like WhatsApp, camera and the internet .

"Android users do not necessarily use all of the applications available on Android. They're not even maximisng the feature," said Daniel.

Founder of the Watchtower & Friends, Shamsul Jafni said this phone will be a hit in the Malaysian market.

"I will buy this phone. It will get a positive response from those who may not be able to afford a smartphone. At the same time , those who already own a smartphone will probably buy it as a second phone. As it will cost around RM100, it very affordable," he said.

When asked if the Mozilla smartphone will help local app developers, he said it all depends on smart phone users if they are willing to buy the application.

"It is already difficult to get current smartphone users to buy the apps. So I'm not sure if those from this segment will actually purchase some apps, " he added.

On Monday, Mozilla announced the launch of a smartphone at a price of $25 for the developing country markets.

"We are also enabling a whole new category of smartphone, priced around $25 (18 euros), that will bring even more people around the world online," said Mozilla chief operating officer Jay Sullivan at the Mobile World Congress held in Barcelona .

It was also announced at the congress the launch of smartphones using the Firefox OS including China's ZTE Open C and Open II models and selected Alcatel OneTouch tablets.