The reports of the HTC First's lackluster U.S. sales might have affected its United Kingdom launch.
U.K. carrier EE has confirmed it is holding off its launch of the HTC First. Facebook apparently recommended the decision to the carrier as the social network giant stated it wants to add features to its Facebook Home app.
According to Pocket-lint, an EE spokesperson stated, "Following customer feedback, Facebook has decided to focus on adding new customisation features to Facebook Home over the coming months. While they are working to make a better Facebook Home experience, they have recommended holding off launching the HTC First in the U.K., and so we will shortly be contacting those who registered their interest with us to let them know of this decision."
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Despite on what could be a setback for Facebook, EE assured it will remain committed to bring the latest mobile experiences to its customers and build its "strong" relationship with Facebook.
The HTC First originally went on sale in the U.S. with carrier AT&T on April 14 for $99.99 when signing a two-year contract. It did not take long for AT&T to offer a discount on the smartphone to $0.99.
A source, via Mobile News, said, "The HTC First has been pulled and will never go on sale in the U.K. Sales in the U.S. were poor and Facebook has taken the decision not to give it a more widespread release."
A rumor, reported by BGR.com, is the HTC First sold only about 15,000 sets, resulting in AT&T's decision to discontinue the phone.
The HTC First features a 1.4GHz dual-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor, 1GB of RAM, a 4.3-inch 720p Super LCD display, a 5-megapixel camera rear-facing camera, a 1.6-megapixel front-facing camera and runs Android 4.1.2 Jelly Bean, and Facebook Home.
Facebook Home and HTC First Smartphone Event
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