LG and KDDI unveil transparent Firefox OS phone

Earlier today, LG and KDDI Corporation revealed a very interesting new smartphone that goes by the name of FxO. Looking solely at the specs, you’ll likely not be very impressed and might dismiss it as just another mid-range handset. However, there are two aspects here that immediately make it stand out from the crowd. First off, the phone is powered by the Firefox OS, and despite its mid-range specs, it’s still one of the most powerful devices running on this operating system. With Android and iOS dominating all markets, the Firefox OS had a pretty tough time making itself popular in the past, but perhaps the FxO will now be able to change all that.

It won’t be able to do it just because of the operating system though, which brings us to the second important aspect – the design. LG decided to create something a little bit more unusual and went with a completely transparent look for this smartphone. Aside from making it interesting from a visual standpoint, this design choice has another purpose as well according to KDDI, which unveiled the device earlier at a press event held in Tokyo. The company says that the FxO’s “openness and transparency” reflects the most important features of the Firefox OS. The smartphone will initially be available exclusively in Japan for the rather steep price of $420.

Hardware-wise, the FxO comes equipped with a 4.7-inch display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor, 1.5 GB of RAM, and 16 GB of internal storage memory. Other specs include an 8 MP primary camera on the back, 2.1 MP secondary snapper on the front, and a 2,370 mAh battery pack. The Firefox OS powered handset will be available for purchase at KDDI starting this Thursday, December 25th, although the stock will be limited at first. A more substantial stock and wider availability in Japan can be expected starting with January 6th.