Facebook may be gearing up to launch its first-ever smartphone by next year, a new report suggests.
According to The New York Times, engineers have been sought by recruiters to work on building hardware for a Facebook smartphone. This would be the social network�s third attempt to develop a smartphone, the report said, citing sources close to the matter.
The news comes as search engine giant Google completed the acquisition of Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion earlier this week. This move could help Facebook counter that with its own foray into the smartphone hardware business.
Rumors about a possible Facebook phone have been circulating for the past few years. Although Facebook was reportedly first working on a smartphone in 2010, sources said the initiative stopped due to development complications. Meanwhile, AllThingsD has reported Facebook and manufacturer HTC were working together to develop a mobile device under the code name �Buffy.�
It�s believed that �Buffy� may still be in development. Hiring engineers to work specifically on building Facebook phones would position the company to explore other smartphone projects, as well.
Do you think a move into the smartphone business would be smart for Facebook or would it overextend itself?
Would you buy a Facebook phone?