As promised, Facebook has released its new Home app launcher on Google Play, bringing its most pervasive experience yet to Android. We’re hearing varied reports of availability, but that’s likely due to a progressive rollout on the application store.
At launch, Facebook Home only works on the following devices: HTC One X, One X+, Samsung Galaxy S III, Galaxy Note II and the HTC First, the first device to come pre-loaded with Home. Update: Facebook says that the HTC One and the Samsung Galaxy S4 will have the service in the future.
Home, which is US-only for now, replaces the home screen and lock screen of an Android phone and comes with its own app launcher, which gives priority to Facebook’s own apps, such as Instagram and Messenger.
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The app employs a new interface called Cover Feed that pans through friend’s photos. It also includes a new Chat Heads feature that displays messages and the sender’s profile photo until dismissed.
Chat Heads also arrives as an optional feature for the Messenger app on Android. Users can elect to pop out conversations so that they will persist even while using other apps.
Facebook announced Home at a press event last week, touting it as a new way to prioritize people over apps on our phones.
Image credit: iStockphoto
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