AT&T to reportedly drop HTC's 'Facebook Phone' following sluggish sales
After just over a month of sputtering sales, and a subsequent price drop to $0.99, AT&T will reportedly discontinue the HTC First, otherwise known as the "HTC Facebook Phone."
According to an inside source, HTC's First, the first handset to come with Facebook's "Home" launcher pre-installed, has performed so poorly that AT&T will end sales of the device return all unsold units to HTC, reports BGR.
While exact numbers have yet to be revealed, the person claims AT&T saw nationwide sales creep along since the First debuted in early April, moving less than 15,000 units through last week. The telecom recently dropped the price of the smartphone down to $0.99.
The publication notes that HTC reserved dedicated floor space for the phone, and posits that the deep discount was meant to move as much inventory as possible before the time period is up.
However, AT&T in a follow-up statement that "as mentioned previously, we do pricing promotions all the time and have made no decisions on future plans."
The First was billed as the flagship device for Facebook's Home experience, as it was optimized to take advantage of the social network giant's Android launcher. While it appears that the U.S. run of the handset is coming to an end, future international availability remains unknown.
According to an inside source, HTC's First, the first handset to come with Facebook's "Home" launcher pre-installed, has performed so poorly that AT&T will end sales of the device return all unsold units to HTC, reports BGR.
While exact numbers have yet to be revealed, the person claims AT&T saw nationwide sales creep along since the First debuted in early April, moving less than 15,000 units through last week. The telecom recently dropped the price of the smartphone down to $0.99.
The publication notes that HTC reserved dedicated floor space for the phone, and posits that the deep discount was meant to move as much inventory as possible before the time period is up.
However, AT&T in a follow-up statement that "as mentioned previously, we do pricing promotions all the time and have made no decisions on future plans."
The First was billed as the flagship device for Facebook's Home experience, as it was optimized to take advantage of the social network giant's Android launcher. While it appears that the U.S. run of the handset is coming to an end, future international availability remains unknown.
Comments
I didn't see that coming....
This is BOGUS, man!! I'm going to organize a protest against AT&T!! Who's with me?!
C'mon, I said WHO'S WITH ME?!!!
On another note, however; What does this have to do with Apple? (On this "Applecentric" news site)
Quote:
Originally Posted by AppleInsider
After just over a month of sputtering sales, and a subsequent price drop to $0.99, AT&T will reportedly discontinue the HTC First...
Maybe $0.98 was the sweet spot?
No, probably not...
Looks like Mr Zuckerberg just learned that smartphone users want operating systems, not apperating systems.
Not very surprising. Facebook is a sputtering brand at this point.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Suddenly Newton
So, where are all the fandroids who gloated about iOS not getting Facebook Home?
Whoa. . . There were gloating Android fans proud of Facebook Home?? The overall two star rating at Google Play would be evidence they were part of a tiny minority if so.
C'mon AI can't you spin this story with a big anti apple headline? Like AI always does?
Suggestion: This is bad because less android fragmentation will happen?
Now to be know as the HTC Last.
I know, I know, they make a lot of money!
Facepalm!