Facebook unveils software that transforms Android devices

Mark Zukerberg yesterday unveiled Facebook Home, software that transforms Andoid smartphones and tablets into devices ruled by the social network. It digitally ignores every other app on the device and allows Facebook to take over the home screen with status updates, photos and messages.

It was originally anticipated that Facebook was going to announce an Android phone of its own design or a device partnership. But what the company really wants to do is make all Android phones a Facebook phone.

"Our phones are designed around apps and not people," says Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg. "We want to flip that around."

Home features an interface focused on the user's circle of Facebook friends, allowing them to swipe between pictures, status updates and other important events. It also integrates messaging into a new feature called Chat Heads, icons with profile pictures that pop up when receiving text or Facebook messages.

Smartphone maker HTC and wireless carrier AT&T also appeared to unveil the HTC First, a smartphone with Facebook Home pre-loaded and optimized for users. The phone launches April 12 for $99.99.

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