Facebook has long been expected to launch its own hardware in collaboration with HTC. Looks like the moment might finally be here as the social media giant has announced its intentions of holding an event on 4th April.
Tech Crunch reports that the handset might have extensive Facebook integration which would go well beyond what has so far been done on iOS. Facebook is believed to have been working on a launcher layer on top of Android instead of completely forking it. The company might even offer the launcher as an option for other Android devices though it will lack the deep level integration offered with HTC’s hardware. The move could have major implications with the handset offering massive data mining opportunities. With direct access to your calling habits, SMS data, the company would be able to offer a very highly tuned news stream. The move would also offer an opportunity for highly targeted, location specific advertisements. Facebook’s initiative towards VOIP to offer free calling via its Facebook Messenger application and its integration with the phone contacts suggest that the company has been working towards this for quite some time.
Do you think Facebook has enough traction to drive hardware sales ? The social media giant has previously dipped its toes in the handset market with the half baked HTC Status. With a clear focus on mobile, lets hope that the company plans to have a solid offering in the mobile segment.
[Via – Tech Crunch]