New Delhi: Facebook has announced the Facebook Home app for Android, with an idea to bring content right to you, rather than require people to check apps on the device. Android users can download the app from the Google Play store starting April 12. But only six devices - HTC One, HTC One X+, Samsung Galaxy S4, Galaxy SIII, Galaxy Note II and HTC First will initially support the new Facebook Home app.
Facebook in association with HTC also unveiled the HTC First smartphone - the first Facebook Home-optimised smartphone. Launched on AT&T network for $99.99, the phone will also be available from April 12. However, user can pre-order it immediately.
Pictures from your Facebook news feed would take up the entire display screen. Zuckerberg says you'll be seeing the world through people rather than apps. He gives an example of standing in line at a store and looking down at the phone to see photos of friends and family. It'll be possible to flip through the items. If there's something you like, just double tap on it to "like" it. You can also add comments from the home screen.
With this, Facebook doesn't believe you'll need to go to the Facebook app any more.
The event was held amid rapid growth in the number of people who access Facebook from smartphones and tablet computers. More Android integration could help Facebook attract more mobile advertisers. Though mobile ads were a big concern for Facebook's investors even before the company's initial public offering last May, some of the worry has subsided as the company muscles its way into the market.
Last year, Facebook began showing ads to its mobile audience by shoehorning corporate-sponsored content into users' news feeds, which also include updates from friends and brands they follow. Facebook now faces the challenge of showing people mobile ads without annoying or alienating them.
(With inputs from Associated Press)
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