Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
FACEBOOK’S AIM TO replace all your essential apps with its own could take another step forward.
Details of a new app called Phone were leaked and it appears to be a native dialing app for Android. The app will show information about who’s calling and will automatically block calls from blacklisted numbers.
The app’s existence, which was first spotted by Android Police, was confirmed by a Facebook spokesperson to VentureBeat although no further details about it were provided.
It’s worth noting that Facebook Messenger already has its own call function which allows you to call other Messenger users while Whatsapp is also working on its own version.
Facebook has tried being front and centre of users’ smartphone experience by releasing its own partnered phone, the HTC First, as well as its own home screen app, Facebook Home. Both failed with the HTC First discontinued shortly after its arrival.
Also, it has had problems releasing apps that aren’t part of Facebook’s desktop site. While Messenger, Groups and Pages has done well, original apps like Slingshot, Rooms and Paper (a US-only app) have struggled to gain traction.
Considering that there are 1.3 billion people signed up to Facebook, and 745 million are daily active users on mobile, it would have a good chance of identifying who’s calling.
Although if the app ever sees the light of day, there are many other phone ID apps out there on Android and Windows Phone to compete against, not to mention the standard phone apps that come with every smartphone.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
It will tell me who is calling? And I can block numbers? What the f### is new about that. Scraping the barrel
Ah do we really need another App?
Didn’t they crash and burn with another idea like this called “home” I think. Basically masks over your OS with Facebook and it was really awful.
Facebook was interesting concept that worked great. Create a site more easy to get around then MySpace more grown up than bebo and something where you could have family connections with the ease of Skype. Works Well On PC. Then expanded to smart phones which again hats off I like Facebook messenger.
All they really need to do to stay number one is be availible on any new platform.
Prey tell, why would I want to replace basic phone functionality with Facebook (data mining) functionality? Will I be subjected to more targeted apps, inside and outside of the app? Will they listen to my calls? Will I be limited to calling Facebook friends?
With all these questions the only weak selling point for some people will be;
Will the calls cost significantly less?
Or everyone could save themselves the hassle and install RedPhone (which reminds me…)
Lunatic ideas there.
have your say