In a somewhat unusual move, ZTE, the Shenzhen, China based phone company, will begin selling Firefox OS based smartphones directly through eBay.
According the ZTE , all Firefox OS devices will come unlocked, making it possible for early adaptors to switch between all the major carriers. The cost of the devices will be incredibly cheap compared to other smartphones currently on the market. ($79.99 U.S., and £59.99 UK).
ZTE released a statement Monday , explaining why the company decided to go through eBay:
“It is great honor to launch the ZTE Open Firefox OS phone worldwide through eBay. ZTE is devoted to providing more options for customers globally and enabling them to live better lives via advanced technology. The ZTE Open offers customers a smartphone experience at an incredible price point, making it ideal for cost conscious consumers or those looking to upgrade to a smartphone for the first time.”
The eBay move could be a sign that U.S. carriers aren't yet sold on Firefox OS, but outside the states, ZTE has multiple distribution deals in several European markets, which includes Germany, Spain, Greece, Poland and Hungary.
In separate statement , Mozilla said their target audience is the "first time smartphone user," as well as “developers and early adopters." They also said the ZTE phones will be barebones devices, with no localized apps or features.
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