On Thursday, Facebook took its first steps into the mobile phone arena with the release of the greatly anticipated HTC First, the first phone to come stocked with the social network's Android-based Facebook user interface.

The social media titan revealed an Android download which will transform a user's home screens and other menus into Facebook-centric notifications and app features without ever having to actually open an app or sign into their account.

The HTC First is available for pre-order now to AT&T customers at $99 with the agreement of a new two-year contract and will be shipped by April 12.

The Facebook Home technology aims to create a "cover feed" on a user's home screen so that individuals are able to swipe into Facebook on their phone instantly and quickly double click to "like" feed items or post comments.

The app also intends to enhance Facebook's chat experience using "Chat Heads", or photos of friends currently online who can be reached via the home screen with a tap or dismissed by swiping away. With its app launcher, Facebook home allows users to see their favorite apps and post right to Facebook from the same spot.

Essentially, the HTC First is deeply embedded with the Facebook user interface (UI). And, for not HTC First users who ultimately download the app on or after April 12, the new Android application is like a skin which is used over the native Android system so that Facebook is brought to every aspect of the phone from step one, the screen-lock.

"You're going to be able to turn your Android phone into a great social phone," CEO Mark Zuckerberg said at a press conference held at Facebook's Menlo Park, Calif. headquarters. "We're calling this Home."

Around the world, Android users will be able to download the Facebook Home experience on April 12 as well.

The launch of Facebook Home could mean a spike in advertising revenue for the social media company because the mobile arena presents a key area of growth for Facebook.

Tags: facebook mark zuckerburg