Even though Mozilla’s browser-based Firefox operating system has failed to gain support from large makers of smartphones, it does not mean that nobody is interested in making devices powered by the HTML5 platform. At least four smaller makers of smartphones have officially supported the operating system at the Mobile World Congress 2012.

Alcatel, Huawei, LG Electronics and ZTE are interested in Mozilla Firefox operating system for smartphones. In addition, numerous operators, which sell their own-brand handsets produced by the others, expressed interest in the platform, which is set to become available sometimes in late second quarter of 2013, according to the company.

The first round of devices will be based on Qualcomm Snapdragon system-on-chips and will available from Alcatel, LG and ZTE, whereas Huawei will release its Firefox OS-based handset in the second half of the year. The first Firefox OS devices will be available in Brazil, Colombia, Hungary, Mexico, Montenegro, Poland, Serbia, Spain and Venezuela.

Firefox OS smartphones are the first built entirely to open Web standards, enabling every feature to be developed as an HTML5 application. Web apps access every underlying capability of the device, bypassing the typical hindrances of HTML5 on mobile to deliver substantial performance. The platform’s flexibility allows carriers to easily tailor the interface and develop localized services that match the unique needs of their customer base.

“Firefox OS brings the freedom and unbounded innovation of the open Web to mobile users everywhere. With the support of our vibrant community and dedicated partners, our goal is to level the playing field and usher in an explosion of content and services that will meet the diverse needs of the next two billion people online,” said Gary Kovacs, chief executive officer of Mozilla.

Tags: Mozilla, Firefox, ZTE, LG, LG Electronics, Alcatel, Huawei, Qualcomm, Snapdragon