Members of the press are gathering at Facebook's headquarters in Menlo Park, Calif., to see the social network's "new home on Android." Rumor is that this new home will appear on an HTC smartphone ? but it will likely reveal the future of Facebook phone interaction for everybody. At least, everybody on Android.
Initial reports indicated that Facebook is intending to introduce a modified version of Google's Android operating system on an HTC handset. However, more recent (and reasonable) rumors suggest that the social network is actually focusing on a "launcher," an app-like tool that can be downloaded to any Android device. Once installed, the launcher takes over the device, replacing its homescreen and, potentially, modifying the overall look and feel of the operating system.
In plain terms: Any Android phone could become a "Facebook phone" once this code is installed. However deep it goes, it will put current Facebook apps to shame.
"Without having to produce its own hardware, Facebook could either partner with other companies or release this app that would turn the user experience into something that far better favors usage of their site and communications system and promoting their services," analyst Ross Rubin tells NBC News.
"Imagine Facebook?s integration with iOS 6, but on steroids, and built by Facebook itself," TechCrunch's Constine explained when the latest "Facebook Home" rumors started swirling. "It could have a heavy reliance on Facebook?s native apps like Messenger, easy social sharing from anywhere on the phone, and more."
Android Police's Ron Amadeo purportedly got his hands onto a system dump of the long-rumored Facebook phone and he explains that while there is indeed an HTC device ? codenamed "Myst" ? there is proof of the launcher's existence. It's dubbed "Facebook Home," and, despite being on an HTC device, the launcher's got support for all sorts of other smartphones.
"Facebook isn?t reinventing the wheel. It?s more like they?re getting ready to sneak up in the middle of the night and strap shiny blue rims onto everyone else?s wheels," TechCrunch's Greg Kumparak points out. And that's a good thing, too, mobile industry consultant Chetan Sharma tells NBC News. "If it's just a phone that's going to be pushed by HTC, its chances are going to be limited," he explains. "[HTC] doesn't have the marketing powers."
"They have tried this before with little success," analyst Jeff Kagan adds, pointing to smartphones with physical Facebook buttons. "This previous model was with HTC as well."
So, this time around, it seems as if Facebook is after the 750 million Android devices out there (actually, that number was released in March, odds are that there are significantly more activated Android devices at this point). As long as the device has access to the Google Play store, it'll have the opportunity to become a "Facebook Phone."
And that's the catch: If the Facebook launcher does all we are hearing it will do, it may fly in the face of Google, by taking over the aspects of Android that Google ? the mobile operating system's lord protector ? tends to control.
"The reaction from Google will be interesting to see," Sharma points out. "There's obviously overlap ... It seems to Google that it's underpinning their Google+ efforts. Longer term, I don't see them letting it go and letting other people do their work."
Additionally, Facebook doesn't just give Google+ a swift kick ? the social giant's gotta make some money, so odds are that it won't stop its invasion of Android with just the Facebook Home launcher. Messaging, video chat, photos, these are services that Google may begrudgingly share with Facebook, because other software available in the Google Play store offers similar functionality. But what happens when Facebook tries to push its own monetized apps ? Zynga games, for instance ? through the Facebook interface? That could prove to be the ultimate showdown with Google.
We'll have to wait and see how the latest battle between Internet giants plays out. Facebook's announcement is today at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET, and we're covering it live. (You can watch along at home ? or work ? right here.)
Game on, Internet giants. Game on!
Want more tech news or interesting links? You'll get plenty of both if you keep up with Rosa Golijan, the writer of this post, by following her on Twitter, subscribing to her Facebook posts, or circling her on Google+.
People Water Fred Willard Emmy nominations 2012 Ramadan 2012 Michelle Jenneke batman Colorado Shooting News
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.