Sony Releases Experimental Firefox OS Software For Xperia E Smartphones

Samsung may not be backing Firefox OS, but Mozilla’s mobile OS has found a new friend in Sony. The tech giant is now evaluating the platform and has even released an experimental Firefox OS ROM ...
Sony Releases Experimental Firefox OS Software For Xperia E Smartphones
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  • Samsung may not be backing Firefox OS, but Mozilla’s mobile OS has found a new friend in Sony. The tech giant is now evaluating the platform and has even released an experimental Firefox OS ROM for developers.

    Sony announced today that it’s releasing an experimental version of Firefox OS for its Experia E smartphone. Sony has also partnered with Telefonica to explore the potential of Firefox OS on future hardware.

    “At Sony Mobile, we continue to evaluate innovative technologies that can help deliver the premium user experiences that Sony’s consumers expect,” said Bob Ishida, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Head of Products Business Group at Sony Mobile Communications. “Our engineers are now working with Firefox OS Mobile and HTML5, evolving technologies which show great potential.”

    If you have an unlocked Xperia E, you can flash Firefox OS onto it today. Here’s how:

  • Unlock the boot loader using our unlock boot loader service. Note that the possibility to unlock a device can sometimes be restricted due to operator restrictions. Also note that once you’ve unlocked your phone, you will not get any official software updates from Sony.
  • Download and install the flash tool for Xperia.
  • Start the flash tool and connect your phone as described in the flash tool instructions. When you connect your unlocked Xperia E, the Firefox OS software will be available to flash. There is also a standard Sony software version that you can flash, if you want to go back to Android from the Firefox OS software.
  • It should be noted that this doesn’t mean Sony will be backing Firefox OS in any big way. At the moment, the company is merely experimenting with it. Still, it’s a good sign that Mozilla’s entry into the mobile OS scene is at least stirring up some interest.

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