Rumors have been swirling for quite some time now about a Facebook branded phone that would be deeply integrated into the website's features and services allowing folks to take their beloved social media website wherever they go- as if the app wasn't good enough. Now comes recent news that Amazon may be putting out a phone of its own that it too would be deeply integrated into its services, similar to how the Kindle Fire is now.
Some of us here at Techfanatix use both Amazon and Facebook to some extent, while others stay far, far away and couldn't imagine life with a phone branded with either service, no matter what. But who's to say it wouldn't be a good idea?
So this week we ask:
Would you ever consider buying and making your primary device an Amazon or Facebook branded phone that was deeply integrated into those services?
Jesse Mendoza: No interest in either whatsoever. I mean, I'm both an Amazon and Facebook user, but I get what I need from both by using the apps on my phone. As for Amazon, I much prefer to browse the website on my computer for the extra screen real-estate; doing that on a phone would be a nightmare. And the thought of ads bugging me wherever I go? Yuck.
Marc Zeffren: No. Never. Nothing more to say.
Andrew Clausen: I wouldn't because I wouldn't want to limit myself. Android and iPhones have the unique ability to do both. There isn't much they could offer as far as exclusive features to make me want to switch
The Gadget Mom: Absolutely none. There's nothing more scary than being locked into one ecosystem. No matter how good it is. I prefer to be able to move around and take my digital life with me. However, my kids would be thrilled to buy a Facebook phone. If only because their friend has one, which makes me think these types of devices would be a fad. An Amazon phone, on the other hand, might have a shot if they nail it with a simple UI. It may appeal to an older set who have adopted the Kindle, but have not made the jump to a smartphone.
Andrew Allen: I would never want a Facebook phone, but Amazon intrigues me. If they could make compelling hardware with a unique and easy to navigate UX, then I would be interested. Their ecosystem is very robust, and if they don't do the ads everywhere, they have a good chance to make a real go at this.
Adam Johnson: I don't use either of these brands so no on both. If I were forced to choose though, then I would choose Amazon because I wouldn't have to worry about Amazon tagging me in duck face pictures that I'm not even in.
Heather Lindskold: No, I would have no interest in either of those. However, I also made that statement in the past regarding the iPhone, and I'll probably be buying one in the fall. If I *had* to choose between one or the other, I would choose an Amazon-integrated phone. I'm just not that into Facebook anymore, and I can just imagine the royal pain a Facebook-integrated phone would turn out to be.
Tony Robinson: No. I'm a power user and need functionality, power and reliability. iOS and Android are covering those areas for me just fine.
Luke Rodriguez: I personally would not use either. Amazon has a somewhat established track record with Android having their own app store and the successful Kindle Fire. If forced to choose, I would choose Amazon. That being said, if Facebook released a phone on a prepaid network... I think it would be insanely popular in that market.
Patrick Campanale: No. Facebook is starting to get too big for its own good. Sure, it's a good service, but did Myspace ever even think of making a phone? A Facebook phone would have just about as much use as a Pinterest phone in my opinion. As for Amazon, I can do everything from Android, iOS, WP7, and even webOS that I would do on an Amazon phone.
What about you? Would you consider buying and owning a Facebook or Amazon-only phone? Sound off in our comments!
