HTC First: The first Facebook Home-optimised phone; on sale April 12

New Delhi: HTC and Facebook teamed up and launched the HTC First – the first phone with the new Facebook Home app, which was unveiled on Thursday. The idea behind Facebook Home app for Android is to bring content right to you, rather than require people to check apps on the device. The new app gives users latest updates right on their homescreen and messages that reach them no matter what they are doing.

The phone has a 4.3-inch glass display and runs Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) with the new Facebook Home experience. It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor with dual-core CPU. The HTC First will be available in four colours – black, white, red and pale blue.

Launched on AT&T network for $99.99, the phone will also be available from April 12. However, user can pre-order it immediately. “The HTC First will offer the best Facebook Home experience on mobile, right out of the box. That’s why we’re committed to this phone and making it exclusive in our stores,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility.

Facebook Home brings your News Feed to the surface, immediately giving you the content you care about right on your home screen when you turn on your phone without having to open an app or access a mobile website. Just sign into your Facebook account and begin using Home – no need for download or configuration.

Facebook Home connects you directly with your friends, whether it’s their real-time updates and newest photo uploads being streamed on your cover feed or the ability to chat with friends without jumping in and out of apps. Zuckerberg says you’ll be seeing the world through people rather than apps. He gives an example of standing in line at a store and looking down at the phone to see photos of friends and family. It’ll be possible to flip through the items. If there’s something you like, just double tap on it to “like” it. You can also add comments from the home screen.

“Home is a completely new experience for your phone,” said Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s Founder and CEO. “With Home available right out of the box, you’re getting the best quality experience for connecting with your friends.”

Android users can download the app from the Google Play store starting April 12. But only six devices – HTC First, HTC One, HTC One X+, Samsung Galaxy S4, Galaxy SIII, Galaxy Note II – will initially support the new Facebook Home app. The Facebook Home app will soon be available for other Andrid devices.