Facebook has finally unveiled its mobile plan: the Facebook Home.

Facebook Home isn’t an operating system, but rather a way to transform your Android phone into a Facebook phone.  In short, Facebook has found a way to dominate your mobile device, making it the center of attention so when you unlock your screen, Facebook will be the first thing you see.  It’s everything Facebook.

“We are finally going to talk about that Facebook phone,” Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg opens the press conference.  “You’re going to be able to transform your Android phone into a more social phone.”

So why would anyone want Facebook Home?  Based on the little ad it showed during the press conference, Facebook Home will make it easier for people to browse and like photos and know what your friends are up to.

Facebook Home will be available for download in Google Play from April 12, and for those of you who just want to try the experience, there’s a “just once” button on when you install Home so you can just try it once and forget about it.  Or if you’ve already fallen in love with Facebook Home, you can choose the “always” button and be stuck with Facebook on your phone forever.

Facebook Home Features

Chat Heads – these are the thumbnail photos of the people on your Facebook friends’ list. By tapping on it, you open up the conversation window which overlays whatever else you happen to be doing. You can then quickly type a message before tapping on your friend’s head again to return to your email/news etc.

Cover Feed – this is the mobile news feed that you see when you unlock the screen.  You’ll see images, link sharing, status updates etc. If the status update is too long your friends profile photo will take up the bulk of the screen instead.  You can tap to Like a post or comment on it, or alternatively if you just want to ignore it, simply swipe down to move away from the post.

Notifications – these will pop up on your home screen to tell you if someone updated their status, changed relationship, liked your photo, or else inform you of any activity in Facebook you wish to be quickly notified of.

App Launcher – because Facebook has taken over your phone, in order to access your apps, you’ll be needing an App Launcher.  But while using another app, you can still easily post a status via the menu across the top of the screen.

But Wait, There’s More!

If you think Facebook is done with its mobile domination, you are wrong.

On April 12, an initial five devices will be able to enjoy Facebook Home: HTC One, One X, Galaxy SIII, Galaxy Note II, and the just announced HTC First. In addition, Facebook Home will also be available for the upcoming HTC One and Samsung Galaxy SIV.

The HTC First will already come equipped with HTC Home and previous speculation regarding the device suggest that it has a 4.3-inch 720p display, 5-megapixel rear and 1.6-megapixel front cameras, 1GHz dual-core processor, Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean and HTC’s Sense 4.5 overlay, and will come in black, white, light blue and orange.  HTC First will be coming to AT&T on April 12 with a $99 price tag.  The HTC First was the device formerly known as the HTC Myst.

Facebook encourages phone manufacturers to put Facebook Home on their mobile offerings via the Facebook Home Program.