Facebook phone to hit markets by 2013?

While Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has denied releasing a Facebook-designed smartphone anytime soon, a new reports claims that the social networking giant is working with Taiwanese smartphone manufacturer HTC to produce its own phone.

A-woman-shoots-a-video-of-the-sign-at-the-entrance-to-the-Facebook-main-campus-AFP-Robyn-Beck

Social networking giant Facebook is reportedly working with Taiwanese smartphone manufacturer HTC to produce its own mobile phone.

According to people familiar with the matter Facebook has already hired former Apple employees who are believed to be working with HTC on the new project.

Some media reports claim that Facebook's self-branded phone is expected to be launched in mid-2013.

According to the Telegraph, HTC has already produced the first phones to feature a dedicated Facebook button, and is looking for a way to differentiate its products from those of rival manufacturer Samsung.

The report pointed out that building its own device could allow Facebook to collect revenue from its existing advertisers more effectively by making sure their commercial content was distributed throughout the phone's different functions.

According to the paper Facebook has declined to comment on the latest report.

The company, however, said in a statement that they 'are working across the entire mobile industry to bring powerful social experiences to more people around the world.'