Facebook: No HTC First Smartphone for the UK
Facebook fans will be disappointed.
In the beginning of April, HTC announced the HTC First, the first and (for the time being) only phone running Facebook Home. In case your memory needs jogging, Facebook Home is Android-based but with a custom Home launcher so it doesn't look quite so Android. Except in Facebook's case, the launcher is focused on friends, not apps. The HTC First launched in the United States on April 12. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like the First will be traveling to the UK anytime soon.
Engadget reports that the phone won't be launching in the UK due to poor sales in the U.S. According to UK carrier EE, the decision was made by Facebook based off of customer feedback. That's not to say the social network will be resting on its laurels, though. EE says Facebook is now focusing on adding new customization features to Facebook Home and working to make it a better experience overall.
"Following customer feedback, Facebook has decided to focus on adding new customization features to Facebook Home over the coming months. While they are working to make a better Facebook Home experience, they have recommended holding off launching the HTC First in the UK, and so we will shortly be contacting those who registered their interest with us to let them know of this decision," EE is quoted as saying. "Rest assured, we remain committed to bringing our customers the latest mobile experiences, and we will continue to build on our strong relationship with Facebook so as to offer customers new opportunities in the future."
Not that it matters now, but the HTC first packs a 4.3-inch display, a 1.4GHz dual-core Snapdragon CPU with Adreno 305 graphics, 1GB or RAM, 16 GB of internal memory, a 5-megapixel camera, and a 2,000mAh battery.
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Jane McEntegart is a writer, editor, and marketing communications professional with 17 years of experience in the technology industry. She has written about a wide range of technology topics, including smartphones, tablets, and game consoles. Her articles have been published in Tom's Guide, Tom's Hardware, MobileSyrup, and Edge Up.