Facebook's phone: Oversharing to go

The Facebook phone is in play---again---and it appears we have another 12 to 18 months to go before mobile and social utopia arrives. I can't wait to see the privacy flaps that emerge from this adventure.

AllThingsD is reporting that Facebook has named HTC to build a phone with the social network at the core. The code name is Buffy because it will allegedly slay the market---or something like that. Sound familiar? The Facebook phone has been rumored forever. TechCrunch reported that Facebook was working to build a phone a year ago. CNET News also reported that Facebook was reaching out to hardware makers.

In other words, Facebook will have been plotting a smartphone for about two years before hitting the market. Facebook's approach will be akin to Amazon's plan with the Kindle Fire. Build on top of Android, hide the OS and integrate services. By the way, Amazon is reportedly planning a phone too. No one---Microsoft, RIM, Amazon, Facebook and wireless carriers---really wants the mobile world being run by just Apple and Google.

We all know how important social is to mobile and the two categories go together nicely. But do you really want a Facebook phone? If you think the social graph can be overdone today just wait until Facebook starts broadcasting every move to your friends. Every purchase you make. Every app you use. Every time you happen to hit the john with your smartphone in tow your friends will know. I could be exaggerating, but not by much (and you know half of you bring your smartphone to the loo).

Also: Facebook's oversharing flap: Much ado for tech news junkies only? | CNET: How Facebook is ruining sharing

A Facebook phone will be oversharing to go. Your Facebook phone may be the equivalent of having a KGB agent tailing you. Mark Zuckerberg will be in your pocket. You might as well wear one of those ankle bracelets for tracking.

Oh sure, you can turn off the Facebook features embedded in this social phone---assuming you can find the privacy settings. You could also log off from Facebook---but this social phone may just brick on you.

Yes folks, the Facebook phone will be a godsend for a few of you. I anxiously await more details in the year ahead.

Related:

Facebook taps HTC to build Android-powered Facebook phone (rumor)

• Motorola is also building a Facebook phone
• Vodafone launches 555 Blue, its first Facebook phone, in India
• HTC Status: AT&T’s first Facebook phone now available for preorder
• HTC unveils two Facebook phones
• Facebook confirms it now has 350 million mobile users