The Facebook Phone finally arrives
Due to all the leaks about Facebook's "new home on Android" most of what got announced at Facebook's recent big event wasn't really big news. Confirming our previous news about Facebook Phone leaks, is that Facebook is indeed releasing an Android Home screen launcher. The official quote from Mark Zuckerberg was:
“Today we’re finally gonna talk about that Facebook phone. More accurately, we’re gonna talk about how you can turn your phone into a Facebook Phone." Mark Zuckerberg.
Does it replace the Android OS?
What Facebook Home does is basically take over your normal UI interface (in the same way any launcher would) and makes it more Facebook friendly. It has various advantages over the stock Android Facebook app by allowing for better features and a deeper Facebook experience on your smartphone (more on this later). In essence, it can be installed on any Android smartphone provided that it has the right hardware and has the right software (in this case Facebook apps such as Facebook messenger and the Android Facebook app already installed).
When is it due?
According to Facebook, Facebook Home is not a fork of the original Android OS, instead it works as a launcher. For now, the HTC First is the first Android smartphone that will have Facebook Home preloaded but the full Facebook Home app launcher should be available for US devices by 12 April 2013 (and other markets such as Malaysia afterwards). The Facebook Home app can be used as a lockscreen or a home screen and will also get monthly updates.
More on the HTC First
Regarding the HTC First, not much was mentioned regarding hardware, but most of what was guessed initially is correct. The only new factoid about the HTC First is that it supports LTE as well. The HTC First will be offered at $99.99 on 12 April 2013 under most major US carriers but other Android smartphones will also get it as well. The next few compatible Android smartphones after the HTC First includes the HTC One, HTC One X, Samsung Galaxy S III, Samsung Galaxy S4 / S IV and Samsung Galaxy Note II.
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