Facebook Recruiting Former Apple iPhone Engineers for Facebook Phone

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There have been persistent rumors that Facebook may be trying to enter the mobile phone market with its own device.

The NYTimes revives these rumors this weekend with a report claiming that Facebook is planning to release its own smartphone by next year. Amongst other talent, Facebook has already recruited a number of former Apple iPhone/iPad engineers for the project:

The company has already hired more than half a dozen former Apple software and hardware engineers who worked on the iPhone, and one who worked on the iPad, the employees and those briefed on the plans said.

This is reportedly the 3rd attempt by Facebook to build a smartphone. Previous plans had reportedly "crumbled" after running into technical difficulties. Facebook is now trying to recruit engineers with previous mobile phone experience to streamline the process.

Facebook has a natural interest in selling smartphones. The company already has incredibly popular mobile apps for iOS and Android, but lacks much control on those platforms.

“Mark is worried that if he doesn’t create a mobile phone in the near future that Facebook will simply become an app on other mobile platforms,” a Facebook employee said

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Top Rated Comments

Peace Avatar
169 months ago
Mark is no Steve Jobs.


even though he thinks he is.
Score: 101 Votes (Like | Disagree)
hirshnoc Avatar
169 months ago
No

I'm going to be first in the line of the people not buying it.
Score: 99 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MacOCD Avatar
169 months ago
Facebook phone? This is exactly what they need after a failing IPO, a phone that will tank.
Score: 92 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mbh Avatar
169 months ago
I'm waiting for the Angry Birds phone.

:rolleyes:
Score: 91 Votes (Like | Disagree)
LIVEFRMNYC Avatar
169 months ago
By using a Facebook phone.... You agree that all conversations can/will be recorded and sold to affiliates and non affiliates. You also agree that anything else such as GPS location, texts, pictures and voicemails are rightfully ours to do what we please.
Score: 68 Votes (Like | Disagree)
VansevenantV Avatar
169 months ago
But Mark, Facebook is just an app?!

And they should definitely enhance the performance of their apps before even thinking of developing a phone of their own
Score: 54 Votes (Like | Disagree)