The Facebook Home lock screen has opened up new content to Android beta testers. The Facebook Home software allows Android users to bring content and updates directly to their lock screen. Users can now access third-party applications on the lock screen without unlocking their phones. This means Pinterest, Flickr, Tumblr and Instagram posts and photos can be viewed and Liked. However, Facebook hasn’t indicated if it will make other apps like Twitter available in the future.
Facebook’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg discussed the latest update at TechCrunch’s San Francisco Disrupt event. The update is in keeping with Facebook’s revamped mobile strategy. The company had faced criticism for allowing the lock screen to be filled with only Facebook content. Its new approach is meant to make Home more visually dynamic and address the ‘people’ side instead of just the ‘app’ side. Of course, Facebook is also looking to create a monopoly over the lock screen of every Android device!
The social media giant hasn’t revealed the number of beta users who will receive the update, but a company spokesperson said that they hope to bring it to everyone soon. Facebook intends to attract users by making Home more functional for users. The rollout of Home has surpassed the million dollar mark, but Zuckerberg has admitted that it is slower that the company’s expectations.
At the moment, the update is only available to Android users opting-in to Facebook’s beta tester program. To use it, you need to choose the app you want to add from the Home settings menu and proceed to log in with 2FA, if enabled. Once you have done this, you can view and like the posts by double tapping them when they pop up on your screen. The new update also allows you to disable Facebook posts and view photos from Tumblr, Flickr, Instagram and Pinterest on your lock screen.