The Web is afloat with fresh rumors that Facebook is developing a new phone optimized for the social networking site.
A technology website AllThingsD has reported that Facebook is closely working with HTC to make the phone, which in all likelihood is going to be a savvy smartphone.
Not the first time:- This is not the first time that Facebook is rumored to be working on its own phone. About a year back, CNET had reported that Facebook was in talks with major hardware manufacturers to come out with a smartphone. But as smartphones began hitting the market sporting Facebook-specific buttons, the rumors subsided.
If the latest rumor is to be believed, Facebook is reconsidering the option to build its own phone. Facebook is an important component of new Windows Phones as well, as they come with Facebook and Twitter integrated into the operating system, letting you sync your contacts with those on your social networking sites.
It remains to be seen how a Facebook phone is going to fare in the marketplace, when there already are strong players like iPhone and Android.
Smartphone specifications:- Reportedly, the smartphone will be powered by a customized version of Google's Android operating system, and will be optimized to let you access Facebook the way you do on PCs.
The phone has an interesting codename 'Buffy,' after the name of a popular TV show about vampires. AllThingsD declined to unveil any details about the sources from where it got the news. The new Facebook phone will not simply sport a few Facebook buttons, but will offer a unique Facebook experience, with social networking built into the heart of the device.
It also reported that Facebook had earlier been in talks with Samsung to manufacture the device, before finally zeroing in on HTC.
The choice certainly makes sense. The latest smartphones from the HTC stable, Salsa and Chacha, have dedicated Facebook buttons and are apparently more Facebook-friendly than other phones.
Motorola and INQ Mobile are the other mobile makers that have also included Facebook buttons on their phones. About a year back, CNET had reported that Facebook was in talks with major hardware manufacturers to come out with a smartphone. But as smartphones began hitting the market sporting Facebook-specific buttons, the rumors subsided.
A unique Facebook experience:- According to AllThingsD, the new Facebook phone will not simply sport a few Facebook buttons, but will offer a unique Facebook experience, with social networking built into the heart of the device.
Facebook is an important component of new Windows Phones as well, as they come with Facebook and Twitter integrated into the operating system, letting you sync your contacts with those on your social networking sites. AllThingsD has reported that Facebook is closely working with HTC to make the phone, which in all likelihood is going to be a savvy smartphone.
It remains to be seen how a Facebook phone is going to fare in the marketplace, when there already are strong players like iPhone and Android. Both of these existing platforms have good support for Facebook.
Facebook and HTC declined to say anything on the rumor.
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