Facebook Home | Solutional Webdesign Antwerpen

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Facebook^[3] Home was a user interface^[1] layer specifically designed for Android smartphones. Launched by Facebook, now known as Meta Platforms^[2], in April 2013, it aimed to replace the existing home screen on devices with a new interface called Cover Feed. This interface also included a unique lock screen that displayed notifications from Facebook along with other apps. One of the key features of Facebook Home was the Chat Heads system for messaging. The interface was initially compatible with specific devices, including HTC First and some Samsung^[4] Galaxy models. However, due to low user reception and potential privacy^[5] concerns, the interface is no longer available in the Google^[6] Play Store. Despite a short life span, Facebook Home is notable for its attempt to enhance social networking on smartphones through its design and features.

Terms definitions

1. ↑ user interface. A User Interface, often abbreviated as UI, is a fundamental aspect of any digital product, system, or service. It is the point of interaction between the user and a digital device or product such as a software application or a website. The evolution of UI traces back to the 1940s, progressing from basic interfaces to more sophisticated ones like Graphical and Composite User Interfaces. It's categorized into various types including attentive, batch, command-line, conversational, and object-oriented interfaces, each designed to serve different user needs. UI design revolves around principles and practices that prioritize user ease, efficiency, and enjoyment. This includes elements like layout, color schemes, typography, and interactive components that greatly influence usability, accessibility, and user retention rates. The field of UI design is dynamic, with current trends favoring dark mode interfaces, micro-interactions, 3D elements, and augmented reality. The practice also emphasizes user research, simplicity, intuitive navigation, and iterative improvements.

2. ↑ Meta Platforms ( Meta Platforms ) Meta Platforms, Inc. is a leading technology conglomerate based in Menlo Park, California. It owns and operates a suite of popular digital platforms including Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp. As one of the top American information technology companies, Meta's portfolio extends beyond social media, with acquisitions in virtual reality (Oculus), mapping (Mapillary), brain-computer interface technology (CTRL-Labs), and a strategic investment in Jio Platforms. The company heavily relies on advertising for revenue. It went public in 2012, raising $16 billion in one of the largest IPOs in US history. In recent years, Meta has shifted its focus towards building a metaverse, an integrated virtual environment, which led to its rebranding from Facebook in 2021. Despite facing challenges including data breaches, leadership changes, and changes in privacy regulations, the company continues to innovate in areas like artificial intelligence and new app development.

Glossary

Facebook Home (Wikipedia)

Facebook Home was a user interface layer for Android smartphones. Developed by the company then known as Facebook (now Meta Platforms), the software was designed to be a drop-in replacement for the device's existing home screen ("launcher"). It provided a replacement home screen that allowed users to easily view and post content on Facebook along with launching apps, a replacement lock screen that displayed notifications from Facebook and other apps, and an overlay which allowed users to chat via Facebook messages or SMS from any app. Facebook Home was unveiled at a press event on April 4, 2013, and was released on April 12, 2013 for a limited selection of devices from HTC and Samsung Electronics—including the HTC First, a new smartphone pre-loaded with the software. Facebook is no longer supporting or providing updates for Facebook Home.

Facebook Home

The lock screen used under Facebook Home displays status updates and photos from the user's News Feed
Original author(s)	Facebook, Inc.
Initial release	12 April 2013 (2013-04-12)

Stable release	1.2 / January 13, 2014; 10 years ago (2014-01-13)

Operating system	Android
Website	https://www.facebook.com/home at the Wayback Machine (archived April 14, 2013)

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