Facebook had high hopes for Home, the slideshow Facebook launcher that was released last April, but why is no one using it?
1. Device Availability
While it's no surprise that iOS wouldn't be able to test out a new release like this due to Apple's restrictions with their operating system, it is baffling that there are only officially 4 phones that are actually supported to use the launcher. The only phones that are supported are the HTC One X, HTC One X+, Samsung Galaxy S III, and the Samsung Galaxy Note II. Along with these supported devices, is the HTC First which is the only phone with the launcher baked right in.
Although Facebook says the list of supported devices would increase over time, why would they release the launcher if only 4 devices were supported? The Android market is a large one, and it seems a bit strange that with all the different models that people have, they would start so small. Even if the launcher could wait another year before releasing, at least more people could talk about their experiences. Whether the launcher was a hit or a miss, at least people would be talking about it to try it for themselves.
2. The Launcher isn't a stock replacement
As of the date of this post, Facebook has a 2.5 out of 5 rating in Google Play which is pretty low for an app that everyone should want to use. However, the rating serves the launcher justice as there is plenty wrong with Facebook Home.
The launcher replaces Android's standard home screen with a slideshow of friend's posts and photos. The user can then swipe between pictures and posts and double tap them to like them. While this seems like a really great idea, you often feel bombarded by photos that are over magnified to fit the display and a good amount of Android functionality is lost in the process.
While there are different flavors and skins of Android for different phones, they are generally successful in creating a way for the user to be able to use the device fairly easily without giving up the standard functions of the operating system. Facebook Home on the other hand, completely strips down the devices it is installed on, limiting you from accessing basic functions of your stock launcher. The two functions that were removed that stand out the most are no longer being able to have a dock for all of your everyday apps as well as no longer being able to use widgets.
Instead of a dock, the user is presented with a personal chat head that can be slid to the left to access Facebook messages, slid up to access all of your apps, or slid to the right to access the last app that was opened. Sliding your head around with your finger can be fun, but with as little functionality that is being offered, you mind as well download the latest Facebook Messenger app for Android to operate your Facebook messages the same way without the nuisance of the launcher.
3. What's a Launcher?
Another simple reason that Facebook Home isn't a success is the simple fact that some people may not know what a launcher actually is. Most Android users have become accustomed to applications and even widgets over the years, but the idea of a launcher may seem too intimidating for users to download and install-- especially if it means that it takes over what they already know and what they are comfortable with. Launchers tend to be aimed at users who are more technically inclined or people who are looking for a new experience on their devices, and for the typical consumers that may be too much of a commitment.
Conclusion
Facebook Home is a good idea on paper, but with such a limited audience to work with, it is hard to convince people it is worth downloading. For the devices that are compatible with the launcher, Facebook Home seems to be kind of a let down. If Facebook had kept the dock, widgets and made the slideshow available without compromising the app layouts, then users would most likely feel more comfortable. In addition, if there was more exposure to the launchers to everyday consumers, Facebook Home may have received more use and recognition than it has. However, Facebook promises to update the app once every month, so maybe the launcher will make a comeback.
