HTC today announced that the first Facebook Home device, the aptly named HTC First, will be available starting from April 12. The HTC First (formerly Myst) features a 4.3-inch 720p HD display, a dual-core Snapdragon 400 processor, 4G LTE support, Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, and a suite of Facebook-related applications.
Touted as the “first set of phones” to feature the Facebook Home experience, the HTC First centers around the software and services more than the hardware. Designed to be big, but not too big, it’s supposed to feel comfortable and speak to who you are. The HTC First will be available in four color options: black, white, red, and pale blue.
For those who want to try the Facebook Home experience but don’t need a new device, the app can be downloaded and installed on a number of supported Android devices starting April 12.
Key features in the Facebook Home experience:
- Cover Feed: A constant, fresh stream of photos and updates from your newsfeed, always present when you wake up your phone. Lets you stay up-to-date on your friends’ latest activities in real-time.
- Notifications: Notifications from apps and friends appear right on your home screen, making it easier to see missed calls, calendar reminders, and new messages.
- Chat Heads: The mobile messenger lets you jump in and out of conversations while doing other things, like watching a video or browsing the web.
- App Launcher: See your favorite apps and post right to Facebook from the same spot. Press and hold an app to drag it anywhere.
- Instagram: The HTC First is the only phone that ships with Instagram pre-loaded.
