Facebook has sent out invites asking members of the press to “come see our new home on Android” on April 4.
While the invite doesn’t go into further detail on the nature of the event, speculation is rife that it will be the launch of a new Facebook phone, complete with a customised Facebook UI.
For almost a year now rumours have been circulating that HTC and Facebook were teaming up to have a second stab at a joint Android-powered Facebook phone.
The HTC ChaCha wasn’t exactly a resounding success back in 2011, but that doesn’t seem to have dissuaded either company from attempting a belated follow-up.
Earlier in the month details emerged of the so-called HTC Myst, a mid-range device with a 4.3-inch 720p display, a 1.5GHz dual-core CPU and a 5-megapixel camera. It would also apparently come with the ability to set your Facebook status direct from its interface, and Instagram would come pre-installed.
Facebook’s Mobile Plans
Last year, Facebook chief Mark Zuckerburg moved to dismiss rumours of a Facebook phone by stating that it wouldn’t make any sense. He pointed to the deeper Facebook integration in existing popular phones such as the iPhone as the way forward.
However, since this point Facebook has been adding new features to its service that would slot nicely into place should it launch a second attempt at the hardware market. It now has its own VoIP service that allows for free internet calls over Wi-Fi or network data.
It’s also recently announced deals with a number of European and eastern network operators to enable free or discounted Facebook messaging usage in certain countries.
Of course, the event could just be for the launch of a brand new Facebook app for Android phones.
What do you think the April 4 Facebook event will contain? Let us know in the comments section below, or take to the Trusted Reviews Twitter and Facebook feeds to have your say.
Via: The Verge
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
