Firefox OS 2.5 For Android Developer Preview Offers Mobile User Experience Without Data Loss Threat

Just as Mozilla recently released its latest Firefox OS 2.5, it has also released an early experimental build of the operating system for developers that can be downloaded on Android devices. According to Mozilla’s Peter Dolanjski, the Firefox OS 2.5 Developer Preview app allows developers to experience the Firefox OS as an alternate home screen on Android-run devices at no reflash or replacing the existing Android installation necessary. Developers, testers, localizers, and even supporters of the open Web can access and download the app from the company site.

“Re-flashing existing hardware means losing user data as well as access to Android apps that you may depend on. There’s always an inherent risk of rendering your hardware inoperable, i.e., bricking your device. Firefox OS 2.5 Developer Preview avoids these issues by replacing the Android home screen with the Gaia (UI) layer of Firefox OS. Effectively you can use Firefox OS while still having full access to your Android apps,” he wrote.

PC Mag says the OS renders the same way the search engine itself uses to run Web apps on a smartphone. As the Web apps are built on conventional HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, they can access Android hardware and services via simple APIs.