14 DAY TRIAL // Mobile phone carrier Vodafone is planning the release of its very own Facebook phone to compete with the HTC ChaCha, some of the latest reports on the matter suggest.
When compared to the already available Facebook device from the Taiwanese handset vendor, Vodafone's Facebook phone would sport a wide range of similarities.
Rumors has it that, the same as HTC ChaCha, Vodafone's device would sport a QWERTY keyboard and a touchscreen display in a candybar form factor, and that it would also have the Facebook logo on it.
A series of photos that allegedly show the said mobile phone already made it into the wild, courtesy of UnwiredView.
However, nothing was confirmed on the matter for the time being, and Pocket-lint reports that Vodafone declined to comment on the matter.
The wireless carrier is set to range the HTC ChaCha as well in the coming weeks, though chances are that the yet unannounced handset would be cheaper than this device.
Vodafone might plan on making its own Facebook phone available on a Pay As You Go basis for all those who otherwise wouldn't afford the HTC ChaCha.
What is interesting to note on this unannounced device is that it is not expected to run Android.
Although it would include various features available with the said smartphone, Vodafone's Facebook handset would be only a feature-phone.
Vodafone is expected to make the new mobile phone available for purchase in all markets where it offers services, but specific info on availability and pricing did not emerge for the moment.
With more and more people around the world accessing social networking sites from their mobile phones, is does not come as a surprise that wireless carriers are set to launch devices specifically designed for that.
Of course, today's smartphones can provide fast access to these sites, but offering an affordable phone with a dedicated Facebook button should appeal to more and more users.