Run Stock Android Jelly Bean on HTC First
Recently Facebook and HTC finally launched their joint venture with another try at the Facebook Phone, however this time around it’s really a full-fledged Facebook phone than their previous failed attempts. So far, we have seen positive reviews for both the phone and Facebook’s Home launcher.But, we’re still waiting for the official release to see how the population actually reacts to it and how much attention the HTC First really gets in terms of sales and popularity.
The interesting thing about the HTC First is that it runs Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean in its pure stock form under the Facebook Home skin. I know what you’re thinking! And Yes there is a simple way to convert your HTC First from a Facebook Phone to a pure Google Nexus phone, with Stock Android experience. After all, Facebook Home is a mere launcher and it can easily be stopped from launching at all. The best thing about HTC First is it’s decent set of specs and it’s simple yet durable build quality. So, if you ever wanted a decent HTC phone with awesome design and build quality minus the Sense-crap UI, then you’re lucky as HTC First is the device that will grant you all the above.
HTC First is a stock Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean phone under Facebook’s Home launcher and all it takes is a single tap to convert it into a Stock Android phone.
Although, neither of the companies have mentioned this anywhere we have figured it out. All it takes to stop Facebook Home from launching is a quick tap in the settings menu. Head over to Home Settings in the menu and then tap “turn off Facebook Home”, yes it’s that simple. What lays beneath is a stock Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean experience. So, if you’re looking for a decent Stock and cheapAndroid phone ,then HTC First is for you. You also get Facebook’s shiny new Home on Android as an added benefit.
Check out our full rundown of specs for the phone here.
HTC First will be available on AT&T for $99 on a 2 year contract starting from 12 April. So, if you ever wanted to buy a Nexus device manufactured by HTC then this is the closest you’ll get at the moment, unless Google decides to give HTC another shot at a Nexus phone. (They did make the first nexus phone, Nexus One) I hope that Google goes with HTC for the Nexus 5. Until then, HTC First will do just fine.
What would you prefer, Stock Android or Facebook Home on your phone? Let us know.