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Facebook to Unveil Modified Android OS on HTC Phone? (Update)

By Sidney Wong - on 3 Apr 2013, 10:54am

Facebook to Unveil Modified Android OS on HTC Phone? (Update)

 Image source: TechCrunch

*Update on 3/4/2013: @Evleaks obtained an alleged press image of the Facebook phone known as the HTC First.

Image source: @evleaks

Facebook is holding an event on 4th April where it is said to be unveiling a modified Android version on a HTC phone. 

According to TechCrunch, sources claim that the modified Android version will sport deep native Facebook integration on the home screen. Rumored to be named "Facebook Home", it is also described as an "application layer" where Facebook news feed stories and data are displayed with easy access to native apps such as Messenger. 

The information provided by TechCrunch's sources ain't exactly new as AllThingsD reported in late 2011 that Facebook had engaged HTC to build a smartphone that is powered by a modified Android version to deeply integrate its services.

Earlier last month, @evleaks obtained information from a reliable source that HTC will be launching a Facebook-centric phone in the coming months. Dubbed as the HTC Myst, the device is alleged to run on Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, a dual-core 1.5GHz processor and 1GB RAM. As a recap, HTC is the first phone vendor to feature a dedicated Facebook button on its devices (the ChaCha and Salsa).

Over the past two years, there have been signs that Facebook is increasing its efforts to have a bigger presence on mobile devices. Facebook's CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed during an interview in July 2012 that the biggest and most pressing challenge for him is to adapt Facebook for mobile devices. TechCrunch also reported in November 2012 that Facebook is pressurizing its employees to switch from iOS to Android.

Sources: TechCrunch, @evleaks via Android Community

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