Facebook Home and Chat Heads unveiled
Facebook Inc unveiled “Home” software on Thursday that will integrate the social network more completely with Android users’ smartphones.
The idea behind the new Home service is to bring content right to you, rather than require people to check apps on the device.
The event comes amid rapid growth in the number of people who access Facebook from smartphones and tablet computers.
More Android integration could help Facebook Inc. attract more mobile advertisers. Though mobile ads were a big concern for Facebook’s investors even before the company’s initial public offering last May, some of the worry has subsided as the company muscles its way into the market.
Last year, Facebook began showing ads to its mobile audience by shoehorning corporate-sponsored content into users’ news feeds, which also include updates from friends and brands they follow.
Facebook now faces the challenge of showing people mobile ads without annoying or alienating them.
Facebook also introduced a messaging tool called “chat heads” on Thursday.