Back in 2013, Facebook unveiled its first phone in collaboration with HTC todecidedly mixed reviews.
The phone was a flop thanks to lackluster specifications and a less-than-ideal user interface.
“Consumers saw alternatives that offered either better specs or had more affordable options.”
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“We realigned the company around, so everybody was responsible for mobile.”
The company created an Android skin for the phone and dubbed it “Facebook Home.”
It also enabled messaging via either Facebook or SMS from any app using a “Chat Heads” overlay.
The only carrier to take on the HTC First was AT&T, which limited potential buyers.
Critics were not kind to Facebook Home.
Facebook phones lacked the hype to gain momentum.
Facebook executives said in May 2013 that the company was planning to revamp Home in response to consumer feedback.
But since then, Home hasnt been updated and is no longer available in the Google Play Store.
Lots of Ads, Slow Sales
Facebook poured millions into advertising.
Despite the ad blitz, sales were slow.
It was a bad sign when AT&Tslashed the price of the phone to 99 cents.
Privacy Concerns Could Overshadow Future Phones
Could Facebook ever revive its phone idea?
The company is being sued for spying on Instagram users using the camera on the phone,Bloomberg reported.
But Facebook has become so ubiquitous since its “Home” days that perhaps its no longer necessary.
