Last week we heard about Facebook Home, which is scheduled to launch on the Google Play store on the 12th of April, and now a beta Facebook Home has been leaked, which was pulled from a pre-release HTC First ROM.
In order to use the leak, you need an Android device with a maximum resolution of 1280×768 and the ability to completely uninstall your existing Facebook app. This is important, as the leaked APKs are re-signed and can’t just be installed over the top of an existing installation. This will automatically exclude some devices which have Facebook installed in the base ROM. If you’re on a Nexus device you’re good! Even if you do have Facebook in ROM, provided you are rooted there are workarounds – I’ll detail these in the comments.
What is Facebook Home?
Facebook Home is an innovative user interface layer for Android devices that transforms the home screen into a social experience. Instead of the traditional app icons and widgets, Facebook Home places your friends’ updates, photos, and messages front and center. This makes it easier to stay connected with your social network without having to open the Facebook app. The concept behind Facebook Home is to make your phone more people-centric rather than app-centric.
Features and Benefits
One of the standout features of Facebook Home is “Cover Feed,” which displays a continuous stream of photos and updates from your Facebook friends directly on your home screen. This allows you to interact with your social network in a more immersive way. Additionally, Facebook Home includes “Chat Heads,” which are floating icons that allow you to continue your conversations while using other apps. This multitasking feature is particularly useful for those who frequently message friends and family.
Another benefit of Facebook Home is its integration with other Facebook services. For example, notifications from Facebook are more prominent and easier to access. The user interface is designed to be intuitive, making it easier for users to navigate through their social interactions.
However, it’s important to note that Facebook Home is not without its drawbacks. Some users may find the constant stream of updates to be overwhelming or distracting. Additionally, because Facebook Home replaces the traditional Android home screen, it may not be suitable for users who prefer a more customizable interface.
Compatibility and Installation
To install the leaked beta version of Facebook Home, you need an Android device with a maximum resolution of 1280×768 and the ability to completely uninstall your existing Facebook app. This is crucial because the leaked APKs are re-signed and cannot be installed over an existing installation. This requirement excludes some devices that have Facebook pre-installed in the base ROM. However, if you are using a Nexus device, you should be able to install the beta without any issues.
For those who have Facebook installed in the ROM and are rooted, there are workarounds available. Rooted users can use tools like Titanium Backup to remove the pre-installed Facebook app, allowing them to install the leaked beta version. Detailed instructions for these workarounds can be found in the comments section of the source article.
The leaked beta version of Facebook Home offers a glimpse into the future of social interaction on mobile devices. By placing social updates and interactions at the forefront, Facebook Home aims to create a more engaging and connected user experience. While it may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those who prefer a more traditional Android interface, it represents an interesting shift towards a more social-centric mobile experience.
You can find out more details about the leaked beta Facebook Home over at The Verge.
Source The Verge
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