Mozilla is already well known for its Firefox web browser, Thunderbird email client, and the much awaited Fennec mobile web browser. Now Mozilla plans on stepping into new territories with plans on developing a Mozilla mobile phone.
This phone will be designed by Aza Raskin from the Mozilla Labs in partnership with Billy May of Yanko Design. The unusual aspect of this “crowd sourced” project is that the entire development and design process is thrown open to the public allowing users and enthusiasts to enter their inputs into the making of this phone. The project, found at MozPhone.com, already looks quite promising.
Initial attempts include an ‘OLED BlackBerry’ which is a BlackBerry 7130 melded with an Optimus keyboard. This method gives the user a SureType QWERTY keyboard when he needs to compose an email. It also provides an easy shortcut to the applications that are present in the main menu as well as accurate media controls for playing tunes. This seems like a bright idea as it combines the versatility of a touchscreen with the tactile response of a real button.
The designers have a lot of work to do to make sure that the device becomes a ‘Mozphone.’ Bill May and his team are working on concepts such as making a volume wheel that gets harder to turn, the louder it becomes and making the buttons, screens, speakers and trackballs much more sensitive to the senses.
The Mozilla phone will not be hitting the market anytime soon but its release is eagerly anticipated.