A full software build from the Facebook smartphone has been leaked, confirming it is an HTC smartphone. This smartphone has leaked before and it's still going by the code-name "Myst." The smartphone is expected to feature a 4.3-inch 720p display, Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 dual-core processor, Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, 1GB of RAM, 4G LTE radio (appears to be AT&T-exclusive), 5-megapixel rear camera, 1.6-megapixel front camera, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.0, and HTC Sense 4.5. These specs were taken from the build.prop file, so the full specs of the smartphone are not known at this time.
Android Police is also reporting that the Facebook phone is essentially just another HTC smartphone running Sense 4.5, but includes a special Facebook app that isn't available anywhere else. The new Facebook app has the following extra Android permissions:
- SYSTEM_Alert_WINDOW - The Facebook app can spawn windows that stay on top of all other windows. According to the Android docs, "these windows are intended for system-level interaction with the user."
- DISABLE_KEYGUARD - It can turn off your lock screen.
- RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED - Facebook starts as soon as your phone starts.
- GET_TASKS - The Facebook app can see what apps you have currently running.
- CHANGE_WIFI_STATE - It can control your Wi-Fi connection
- WRITE_SETTINGS - It can change your system settings
The site also notices that there are settings for the stock Android launcher, the HTC launcher and Samsung's TouchWiz launcher. It is now believed that Facebook will be launching "Facebook Home" not only on this new HTC smartphone, but will also most likely release this as a standalone app in the Google Play Store. It appears that this new Facebook app will morph your Android smartphone into a Faceook smartphone. It doesn't look like Facebook will be launching a modified Android OS, just a new Android app that will also replace your home screen for a Facebook-inspired experience.
We'll know the full details on April 4, when Facebook holds its "Home on Android" event.
