Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook wasn't lying about the "no Facebook phone" and instead released the first Facebook Home Launcher which is a software for Android, putting social networking on front and at the centre. What is Facebook Home and how does it work?

Facebook Home Launcher
It is an Android launcher displaying the device home screen, lock screen, user interface, and other similar elements. Smartphone have their default launchers and allows installation of third-party sources. Launchers manage how many home screen there can be, icon design, app drawer interface, and transitions.

Still with Android OS
Facebook Home did not modify the device in any deep sense, and it relies on Android core applications such as Gmail, Chrome, Maps, and other Google services. Downloading from Play Store to install other applications is not limited.

More Power to Messaging
"ChatHeads" would the What's Hot from Facebook Home and when you receive a text message, Facebook message, or Facebook group chat, a circular icon pop-ups with the sender's face along with the brief preview of the message. ChatHeads are movable around the screen and you can swipe them away or tap them to open the full message.

Every Month Updates
Facebook will deliver updates every month and eventually plans to show ads within the Facebook Home. The company also plans to open certain features for other apps.

First Facebook Home Smartphone and More Supported Devices to Come
HTC First is the initial device with a pre-installed Facebook Home launcher and AT&T will launch it on their network by April 12, 2013. AT&T offers it for $100 under a two-year contract. Facebook Home will only be available for HTC One X, HTC One X+, Samsung Galaxy S3 and Samsung Galaxy Note 2 but also works on HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4.

The Home launcher will later support other devices in coming months. Here are some notable features of the Facebook Home Launcher:

  • Cover Feed - Constantly shows stream of full-screen photos and stories
  • New notifications system - Allows scrubbing with multiple alerts at once
  • New lock screen - Three shortcuts for Applications, Facebook app, and Facebook Messenger
  • ChatHeads - Message notifier with an image of the sender on any screen
  • Facebook Settings Menu - Consists of all Facebook Home launcher settings