Facebook Introduces New 'Home' Feature For Android-Based Devices

On Thursday,

squashed any chatter about introducing a new phone or its own operating system. Instead, Facebook has implemented its platform into the mobile phone's interface, where the focus turns to people, rather than apps. Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook's CEO, had a vision where we use our smartphones to chat, message and interact before we open it to use apps and entertainment. Facebook isn't trying to downplay the importance of apps, but instead seamlessly integrate features with the apps' features. When a user is browsing the web or using an app, they will receive a subtle "pop-in," called Chat Heads, containing their friend's Facebook profile picture and a snippet of the message. The Chat Head will float on the page until it is read or removed, but conveniently avoids getting in the way of your current app, while still serving as a reminder to respond. Facebook has also seamlessly integrated using its features, such as "liking" or "commenting" while keeping them simple and subtle, just like they did with messaging. Zuckerberg has envisioned phone users focusing on the "lock-screen" when bored on an airplane or waiting line. Users can "check what their friends are doing or see what their family is having for dinner," he stated during the event, while demonstrating the user's Facebook feed scrolling across the lock screen. HTC on

will be the first phone manufacturer to pre-load the "Home" feature on their phones, which are available for pre-order today for $99. The phone, as well as "Home," will be available April 12th, and will have new features and updates every month, approximately.