Facebook’s new smartphone software — called Home — looks like it will Play nice with Google.
The social network has tweaked Google’s Android mobile operating system to offer a richer Facebook experience on smartphones, according to leaked designs.
Instead of ditching Google, like some rivals have when building Android gadgets, Facebook is keeping its core services, including the Google Play app store, YouTube and even Google+, the designs, posted on a popular blog, show.
Google’s mobile products will come pre-installed alongside Facebook’s software, a move that was likely designed to keep the peace with the search giant as the social network sets its sights on conquering even more Android phones, according to industry watchers.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to unveil an HTC phone that runs the newly developed Facebook Home app tomorrow at the company’s Menlo Park, Calif., headquarters.
“It looks like the Facebook app with extra stuff on it,” said Ron Amadeo, who posted designs of the product to the Android Police blog.
“It will be your homescreen, so as soon as the phone turns on, you see Facebook,” he said.
Ultimately, however, it seems Facebook wants to offer its software as a download on other Android phones, including those from Samsung, the world’s No. 1 smartphone seller.
“They don’t care about phone hardware, they want you to use Facebook,” Amadeo said.
Android is a free, open-source operating system, but if developers want access to the most recent version, they likely have to keep Google in the experience, according to analysts.
Amadeo received an early version of the software meant for developers and the final product could differ, he said.
Facebook sent out invites last week teasing a new “Home” on Android.