By building on open Web technologies like HTML5 and Mozilla-proposed APIs, the Mozilla Marketplace will enable developers to write one app that runs across devices and platforms. Mozilla has always maintained that its mission is to keep the Web open and put people in control of their Web experiences, and users will be able to buy apps once and use them on any HTML5-enabled devices.
By creating new APIs and putting developers back in control of every aspect of the app experience - from easy development and distribution to direct consumer interaction - Mozilla says that it is advancing the Web as a platform and closing the technology gap between Web and native apps.
The Mozilla Web Apps platform gives content owners, operators and service providers a direct connection to their customers and increases the possibilities for consumer interaction and customized experiences. The "Write once, deploy everywhere" nature of the platform should reduce the cost of creating, versioning and maintaining applications, says Mozilla.
The Mozilla Web Apps platform will feature the following:
- The Mozilla Marketplace, the first operating system- and device-independent market for apps based on open Web technologies like HTML5, JavaScript and CSS.
- New Mozilla-proposed APIs that advance the Web as a platform and will be submitted to the W3C for standardization.
- A new identity system for the Web that puts users in control of their content, tying apps to the user and not the device or platform.
The Mozilla Marketplace will open for developers to submit Web apps at Stand 7B96 in Hall 7 at Mobile World Congress on February 27, and will open to consumers later this year. The Mozilla Marketplace will feature apps in the categories of games, media, music, productivity and more.