Despite denials, more Facebook phone rumors surface
updated 06:40 am EDT, Thu September 23, 2010
INQ tipped to be producing the handsets
A new report by Bloomberg has suggested that Facebook is working closely with mobile handset manufacturer INQ to deliver a Facebook mobile phone. Deep social media integration is already included in INQ’s devices with Facebook an ‘always on’ feature. Once a user sets up a Facebook account on an INQ handset, even after re-boot, the device will automatically re-establish a connection with Facebook. One of the INQ Facebook phones is expected to be text-centric, featuring a full QWERTY keyboard, while the other will incorporate a virtual keyboard on its touch screen.
According to the claims, the handsets are set to run Android, and will be AT&T branded. A purported e-mail statement from Facebook stated that the company had been working closely with INQ to build a ‘deeply integrated Facebook experience on their devices.’ However, in an attempt at distancing themselves from the claim that they phone will carry any specific Facebook branding, the email statement notes that Facebook cannot speak about INQ’s future product plans.
It is anticipated that the INQ Facebook phone will reach the European market in the first half of 2011, with North America to follow in the second half of the year.
