A handset named the HTC First has appeared online via notorious tech rumour mill @evleaks, claiming to be the mid-range debut Facebook Home device.
Already sounding like a bad play on the HTC One naming scheme, the HTC First could be the first handset to play host to the launcher Facebook Home, which would overhaul the Android operating system and infuse it with Facebook functionality.
From the looks of the leaked handset it uses the same three-button capacitive key layout as the majority of Android devices, but replaces the usual home button icon with a small circle. Tipped to come in a range of colours, the HTC First looks like it will be fairly low cost, which is what would be expected by a mid-range handset.
The Facebook Home software will be the handset’s party piece though, which should place Facebook features like messages and contacts at the forefront of the UI rather than within a Facebook app.
This means the specs of the HTC First won’t be groundbreaking. The HTC First could be the previously rumoured HTC Myst, meaning the device could wield a 1.5GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 processor with 1GB of RAM, a 5-megapixel rear camera and a 4.3-inch display with 720p resolutions. Definitely not something that could compete with other Android flagships like the Samsung Galaxy S4 or Sony Xperia Z.
Layered over Android Jelly Bean 4.1.2, the HTC First won’t offer the latest HTC Sense UI or Android software, but the Facebook Home UI will be the star of the handset, potentially making users forget the device’s low-end specs sheet.
Facebook has inviting press to “come see our new home on Android” at a dedicated event tomorrow evening. Although the invite doesn’t go into detail about the nature of the event, it is hotly tipped to be the unveiling of the new Facebook UI.
Facebook Home could even be a standalone app available through the Google Play store, able to run on other handsets aside from the HTC First.
Are you excited to see the HTC First or what will be the first Facebook Home handset? Or, do you think you have enough Facebook access via the app alone? Give us your thoughts via the TrustedReviews Facebook and Twitter feeds or the comments below.
Via: 9to5Google
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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.
