UPDATED 11:39 EDT / JUNE 07 2013

NEWS

Facebook Home Refuses To Die: Now It’s Planning an Update

It looks like Facebook isn’t quite ready throw in the towel as far as its mobile dreams go, with the news that it’s planning to release an update for its much-derided Android launcher.

The biggest change with th eFacebook Home update includes an app tray to hold all of your favorite and most-used apps, so that these can all be accessed easily, making your phone a little less ‘Facebook-ish’. In addition, there’ll be improved sharing features so that users can carefully select what to share on their Facebook accounts; the ability to share multiple images in one message; and some bug fixes which Facebook claims to improve the memory and stability of Facebook Home.

“Included in the Android update is the first new feature for Home, a dock that makes it easier for people to access their favourite apps,” Facebook said in a statement.

“Early feedback from users focused on a desire for a more robust app launcher and in addition to a dock, Facebook is working on folders and widget support which will come in future updates.”

It was previously reported that Facebook was pulling the Android launcher from Google Play as the social networking giant wanted to tweak it to perfection.  Due to these plans, Facebook allegedly requested its European partners to hold off in launching the HTC First ‘Facebook phone’ as they tweak the app.

Unfortunately, this move by Facebook drove another nail in HTC’s ailing mobile business.  The HTC First did not do well in the US market as Facebook launched the Android launcher for numerous other devices the same day as the HTC phone went on sale.  What should have been a strategic alliance became a backstabbing incident that left HTC out in the cold.

Facebook Home quickly hit one million downloads, but those who installed the app soon wished they hadn’t.  Hundreds of users complained that Home ruined their phone’s interface, while others moaned that it consumes a lot of data and makes their phones sluggish.

Given the level of complaints, it’s not surprising that Facebook Home currently has a meagre rating of just 2.3 stars on Google Play.  If you’re interested to try it out, Facebook gives you the option of testing it out before proceeding with a full install.  However, you’ll need to make sure your phone’s compatible – so far, Home will only work on the Samsung Galaxy S III, Samsung Galaxy Note II, HTC One X, HTC One X+, and of course, the HTC First.


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