Facebook Home

Facebook Home is a free software for the Android operating system, which was introduced on 4 April 2013. It replaces the lock screen by the latest images and messages from friends, This requires a registration with the social network Facebook. Facebook Home was first available for the HTC First, since 17 April 2013, the software also in Germany, Austria and Switzerland is available.

Functions

Facebook Home consists of several programs that are installed on the Play Store. Only when all applications, all functions are available. Facebook Home is basically used without unlocking the screen of the relevant terminal.

Core of the application are the components Cover Feed and chatheads. The former indicates new pictures, news and other contents on the screen who have shared or liked friends. With the help of chatheads conversations are made possible, with both messages via Facebook and SMS to appear together. Is supplemented chatheads be represented by the so-called Dash bar on the friends, so not the messenger software must be opened first.

The navigation in ( Facebook ) apps via a special dock that is designed to facilitate the launch and management of relevant programs. To explain the operation itself, Facebook Home has a Blue's Clues called function. It corresponds to the help and in particular explains the wiping gestures with which the software can be controlled.

Compatibility

The smartphone HTC First is shipped from the factory with Facebook Home. Moreover, the applications for the HTC One X, HTC X , Samsung Galaxy S III and Samsung Galaxy Note II are compatible. Support for other models as well as tablets to follow. According to experts Facebook first chose Android as the target system as a realization on Apple iOS or Windows Phone is maintained due to technical limitations for nearly impossible.

Criticism

Experts expressed concerns regarding the protection of personal data when using Facebook Home. The developers took the form of a FAQ page position on the allegations and stated that Facebook not only values ​​from the activated on the lock screen applications, but their contents. In addition, all user data for the period of 90 days would be saved.