Codename- Buffy
Word has leaked that Facebook is going to take another shot in the smart phone business. Why? Who knows; because every able app-ed smart phone can access Facebook already, making them, in a sense, Facebook phones already. But CEO Mark Zuckerberg says he is worried that Facebook is going to be “just another app.” Kind of ridiculous to think about, I know, but even big Chief executives have their moments of doubt.
This will make it Facebooks third attempt at getting a smart phone off the ground and into the pockets of Facebook worshipers. Last year rumors flew about Facebook having a smart phone in the works but the project was promptly shut down after the company realized all of the difficulties that came with making a smart phone, gee, who would have guessed? But it seems like that isn’t stopping Facebook from at least trying to join the big boys because rumor has it that we will be seeing a Facebook branded phone next year.
The easier way around all of this mess would be for Facebook to follow in Google’s footsteps and buy another manufacturer to do the work for them. This was the major wrench in the FB smart phone project in the past, biting off way too much of the hardware steak then they could chew. But with some recent rumors circling the decisions Facebook is making with its smart phone, a bigger target comes to mind. What kind of target? A big juicy Apple.
Mission- Take A Bite Out Of Apple
Word is that Facebook has taken on software engineers that had been previously working with Apple on the IPhone and IPad, and not just one or two engineers, but over half a dozen. To make Apple a little more upset, another possibility is Facebook teaming up with HTC for this smart phone romp, HTC of course being the phone manufacturer.
If you’re not up to date on the battle between HTC and Apple, let’s just say there haven’t been any peaceful treaties signed yet. If I were Facebook I wouldn’t be messing too much with Apple, because Apple is the bully that won’t hesitate to take your lunch money right about now.
It doesn’t seem like Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Facebook is too worried right now with media giant Apple. He has taken a very close interest in interviewing potential candidates for his project fondly termed “Buffy”. An engineer (who decided to remain anonymous, as to secure his job) said that Zuckerberg approached him and “peppered him with questions about the inner workings of smart phones.” Questions were about “intricate details, including the types of chips used.”
Looks like Facebook is trying to become one of the names in the Apple versus game. Be careful Facebook, according to Apple all is fair in love and smartphone.
Mission Accomplished?
When approached about all of these rumors Facebook did not deny or confirm any of it, but simply quoted themselves from an interview last year, saying “We’re working across the entire mobile industry; with operators, hardware manufacturers, OS providers, and application developers.” HTC also decided to decline from commenting.
Really, in all honesty, Facebook could fail again, and instead of throwing in the towel, they could just buy a smart phone maker and put a pretty Facebook bow on the package. But at this point rumors are just that, rumors. Who really knows if we will see “Buffy” grow up and leave home on a mission, for now “Buffy” is being kept in dark just like the rest of us.
What do you think? Would you actually buy a Facebook smart phone? Or are you going to just stick with the app?
