HTC is collaborating with Facebook to create a phone that offers a much more profound integration with the social network than any previous “Facebook phone.” This information comes from a report by All Things D, which suggests that the phone is likely to be available in 12 to 18 months.
The device, codenamed “Buffy” in reference to the renowned vampire slayer, will operate on a modified version of Google’s Android. However, it has been reported that Facebook is making significant tweaks to the system.
HTC has a reputation for customizing Android through its HTC Sense interface, and both Barnes & Noble and Amazon have launched tablets featuring heavily modified Android versions. This suggests that Facebook may be embracing a similar approach.
Included in the package is support for serving Facebook apps via HTML5. This functionality would enable users to engage with games like Farmville and Poker directly from the Facebook application. While most developers provide their apps as separate downloads outside of Facebook, this limits their ability to reach active Facebook users and restricts potential revenue streams for Facebook. Buffy is expected to bridge that divide.
Buffy will not be the inaugural Facebook phone. Earlier this year, INQ Mobile launched two devices, the Cloud Touch and Cloud Q, which prioritized the service. HTC further advanced the concept with the Status, which came to AT&T in the U.S. this summer, showcasing a prominent, dedicated Facebook button. Moreover, Facebook introduced an app specifically designed for the iPad in October.
In contrast, Apple has not been as cooperative with Facebook as the social platform may have wished. When Apple presented iOS 5, the significant update for iPhones and iPads, it boasted deeper integration with Twitter, allowing users to share photos directly from the phone’s camera application. Notably, the option to share to Facebook was conspicuously absent.
Both HTC and Facebook have declined to comment on rumors and speculation when approached by Mashable. However, a Facebook spokesperson mentioned, “Our mobile strategy is straightforward: we believe every mobile device can be significantly enhanced with social features. We are working with the entire mobile industry, including operators, hardware manufacturers, OS providers, and application developers, to deliver impactful social experiences to more global users.”
The picture Facebook presents is a stark contrast to the fiercely competitive battleground among mobile platforms, as Google, Apple, Facebook, and others compete for consumer attention. Perhaps the most indicative element of the rumored phone is its codename. With a title like Buffy, the mission of the Facebook phone becomes clear: to slay all competitors.
by Robbo Green
