Facebook smartphone could come next year

FACEBOOK   SMARTPHONE   SOCIAL NETWORK

Global - Facebook is to launch its own smartphone by next year in a bid to boost its revenue in the mobile internet market, reports suggested.

The New York Times cited unnamed sources, including Facebook employees, that the company has hired more than half a dozen engineers who have worked on Apple's iPhone and iPad.

Facebook unveiled its new App Center in early May, which allows users to find mini-programmes such as Pinterest or Draw Something to plug into their Facebook account.

Facebook told AFP in an email statement its mobile strategy is that every mobile device is better if it is "deeply social".

"We're working across the entire mobile industry; with operators, hardware manufacturers, OS providers and application developers to bring powerful social experiences to more people around the world," Facebook told AFP.

Facebook's initial public offering this month raised US$16 billion but drew lawsuits and concerns that the company's outlook and growth figures might not have been disclosed to all investors.

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