When I search the app store I see a lot of different alternate browsers. I don't see Firefox and your article makes no mention of Mozilla planning on releasing a Firefox version. Considering that Apple actively embraces competing browsers on iOS, why isn't Firefox there? For that matter, why isn't Opera there? And Chrome?
Wait a second. Something funny is going on here. None of the world's major browsers are on iPhone. Why not?
Mozilla’s beta of its Android browser is on the runway with an undetermined amount of taxiing before take-off, but it may be time to worry about the organization’s relevance amid the sea of tablets and smartphones.
That’s the gist of a report from CNET’s Stephen Shankland. His main argument is that the clock is ticking on Mozilla and every minute of delay—potentially six weeks—matters.
I agree that every minute counts, but there’s a good argument to be made that Mozilla is already too late. Among the key challenges ahead for Mozilla on the mobile front:
- An Android-native Firefox requires a download. You have to find it. Android’s browser is good enough that most folks won’t bother with Firefox. I wanted to sync my desktop and mobile histories and browsers so went for it. After a while though, my usage fell.
- Mozilla has to bet on Android. Android’s market share is gaudy, but it’s unclear whether it’ll stay that way. Apple has been doing well and if you assume Microsoft Windows Phone can thrive there’s only one place for Android market share to go—down.
- It’s unclear whether Mozilla can change the mobile game. Browser performance matters, but I can’t help but notice that Google’s Chrome and Microsoft’s IE has pushed Mozilla not the other way around. What evidence is there that Mozilla can pull a mobile leapfrog?
Those challenges aside, I’m hoping Mozilla’s Android Firefox delivers, but color me skeptical at this point.
