After rumors in the past that Facebook would be launching its own mobile phone, Facebook giant Mark Zuckerberg has finally put an end to all the speculation. At a news event, the Chief Executive Officer of social media demonstrated its newest software adaptation built specifically for Android, Facebook Home.
Mark Zuckerberg clarified that they are not launching their own Facebook mobile device or developing their own operating system. Instead they created a unique user interface on Android phones using Google’s mobile platform which will provide a unique social media experience among social media users.
The first Facebook homepage on Android
Perhaps the closest we can get to owning a Facebook mobile device is the first Facebook Home optimization First HTC unit which will be the first handset device to carry much talk of Facebook’s new user interface on Android. The mobile device was demonstrated by HTC CEO Peter Chou, showing an adaptation of the latest interface added to the Android software currently used in various Android Smartphones. HTC First will be under exclusive carrier AT&T LTE network with a $99.99 subscription and will be available in April 2013.
Meet Facebook Home on Android
The Facebook homepage found on the phone’s lock screen and home screen will change the user’s social media experience with Facebook. This brings a significant change to the look of the phone as it brings better integration of the Facebook application to the handset. Users will find it much easier to see updates from Facebook and it will be easier for them to post something on their Facebook profile. The Facebook homepage appears even on the lock screen so mobile users no longer need to unlock the device to see updates. Unlike other apps that require you to log in to your social media accounts, this new user interface allows you to “like” your friends’ posts right from your home screen. Certainly, Facebook Home will bring additional unique features of the mobile home screen.
A unique social media experience on Android phones
According to Zuckerberg, they aim to make Facebook Home the soul of all Android devices. Sometime in April, this new app will be available for download on other Android devices powered by the latest Jelly Bean operating system. They intend to do regular monthly updates for the app. During a demonstration of using Facebook Home, Facebook’s Director of products, Adam Mosseri said that the new user interface is designed to take attention away from the app itself and to focus more on updating and interacting with your Facebook friends.
Facebook Home feature
One of the features that comes with this new user interface on Android devices is Closing Bait. From the icon you can press to hold your profile picture and there you will see some shortcuts for easy use of your Facebook application and messenger. Apart from that, you can also easily find the News Feed from the background and you get instant updates on the status of your friends, new posts and even Instagram updates. Cover Feed provides an interactive interface where you can swipe from profile to profile, “like” posts or post comments on your friends’ updates. In general, Cover Feed becomes your phone’s screen saver that allows you instant access to your Facebook account right from your phone’s home and lock screens.
Another noteworthy feature of the Facebook Home user interface is Chat Head. It is a messaging application that allows users to send SMS text messages as well as messages on Facebook. When one of your friends sends you a message, their profile picture will appear on your home screen with a small icon. You can directly open their messages by tapping on their icon. You don’t need to exit the app you’re currently using to retrieve Facebook messages. With Chat Heads integration on your home screen, you can seamlessly switch from one app to another and retrieve messages with ease. You can even engage in multiple conversations with friends too. The beauty of this new feature is that you don’t have to close the webpage or app you’re using to interact with your Facebook friends’ messages.
