Mozilla is working on a new entirely web based operating system called Boot 2 Gecko. Pics of the B2G interface appeared on the Mozilla wiki and show an icon based OS, not unlike Apple's. 

Developers are currently testing B2G and its "proprietary, single-vendor stacks". They are building new APIs for things like camera, telephone and SMS capabilities.

Without getting too bogged down in technical details, Mozilla is essentially working on the basics of a mobile OS, like contacts and actual phone functionality. They are also getting everything ready for deadline and on track for what is said to be a product demo by the end of the year. 

The first screens of the OS hint at some rather interesting ideas. Swiping icons to jump straight to an app, a la HTC Sense 3.5 is a particular favourite. There is also the ability to have either hardware or non-physical buttons for things like back and menu. 

Last we heard from Mozilla on the OS was that it was going to be HTML5 powered and use Android just for booting and drivers.

Not much else is known about the Mozilla OS other than the above. One thing's for sure, it is a brave move entering into a mobile market as OS-saturated as the current. B2G is going to have to be pretty special in order to steal any of the limelight away from Android, iOS and WP7. 

What do you think? Do we need another smartphone OS? Let us know in the comments below...