#Facebook: What is the definition of a phone?

Alrite, Mashable and TechCrunch have totally been going at it over the last 24 hours or so in regards to the so-called plans for a Facebook phone.

Per TechCrunch:

Facebook is building a mobile phone, says a source who has knowledge of the project. Or rather, they’re building the software for the phone and working with a third party to actually build the hardware. Which is exactly what Apple and everyone else does, too.

It was a little less than a year ago that we broke the news that Google was working on a phone of its own – which was eventually revealed as the Nexus One. It was about that time, says out source, that Facebook first became concerned about the increasing power of the iPhone and Android platforms. And that awesome Facebook apps for those phones may not be enough to counter a long term competitive threat.

Specifically, Facebook wants to integrate deeply into the contacts list and other core functions of the phone. It can only do that if it controls the operating system.

Two high level Facebook employees – Joe Hewitt and Matthew Papakipos – are said to be secretly working on the project, which is unknown even to most Facebook staff.

Both have deep operating system experience.

And then Mashable released the following statement from a Facebook representative:

“The story, which originated in Techcrunch, is not accurate. Facebook () is not building a phone. Our approach has always been to make phones and apps more social. Current projects include include everything from an HTML5 version of the site to apps on major platforms to full Connect support with SDKs to deeper integrations with some manufacturers.  Our view is that almost all experiences would be better if they were social, so integrating deeply into existing platforms and operating systems is a good way to enable this. For an example, check out Connect for iPhone and the integration we have with contact syncing through our iPhone app.  Another example is the INQ1 phone with Facebook integration (the first so-called ‘Facebook Phone’). The people mentioned in the story are working on these projects. The bottom line is that whenever we work on a deep integration, people want to call it a ‘Facebook Phone’ because that’s such an attractive soundbite, but building phones is just not what we do.”

Alrite alrite alrite ... I get it. However, how quickly we all forget that Google said the same darn thing when rumors of a google phone started surfacing in 2007.

Here's my take on what is going on ... I do think Facebook is working on something, but what classifies a device as a phone anymore?

With technology changing so quickly, and social media only gaining more and more ground among the masses - do we even need voice to voice communication anymore as a standard operating procedure??

I tell people all the time, the best way to reach me is always through social media. I normally have my phone on vibrate, as I cannot stand being disturbed when I'm working on a project. My take is Facebook is going to be working on device, but it will not technically be an actual phone. Let's face it, we don't really need it anymore. Between twitter, facebook, foursquare, and skype - if someone wants to get a hold of you, it is relatively easy to use ANY of the free social media platforms. Dude, I did it with my ipod touch. I downloaded skype, got a pair of headphones with a mic, and got free international calls. It was so rad!!! I pay $135 a month for my cell phone. WHHHYY???? I only use it for my social media apps when I'm out and about. I literally make 3 maybe 4 actual phone calls a week. So, why am I paying that much for my phone?!?!?!?!!?! It's OUTRAGEOUS!!!!!!!! So yes, I do think there will be a device launched under the Facebook umbrella in the very, very, very near future. It will have wifi, and not a standard "telephone" operating system. I think it would be an incredibly big hit - and I know I would certainly be interested in getting one. Welcome to the future, baby!!!

Good job Marky Mark and your Facebook bunch!!

Oh baby, I love it when you pout at me like that.

*drool*

#NerdsUnite