As Facebook continues its process to spread around the world, HTC has introduced a new phone with a heavy focus on Facebook integration. The phone, known as the Status, as it’s now called (formerly the HTC ChaCha), is a new AT*T phone with many Facebook oriented features, including a dedicated features, such as a dedicated Facebook button, which makes sharing content on Facebook much easier. In addition to the Facebook button, there are also quite a few exclusive features across the board. The lock screen, for example, has been turned into a launch pad, allowing users to place shortcuts to their favorite Apps right there. The call screen has also been heavily changed to display additional information about the person you are calling, or who’s calling you, including their Facebook status and profile picture. Underneath all the Facebook features, there lies a fairly basic phone, but powerful enough for the audience it seems to be targeting. With a fairly small 2.6 inch 480×320 screen, 512 MB of RAM, an 800-MHz processor and front-facing and back end cameras. The phone can be perfect for those who are heavily involved in the social network. On top of that, the phone also supports photo effects, allowing users to spice up their photos as they are taken, or later on from the pictures gallery. Amongst the available effects include Sepia, or Aqua for a “touch of cool”, as HTC’s put it on its product page. HTC America’s President Jason Mackenzie highlighted the following advantages: With a dedicated Facebook share button combined with the hallmark HTC Sense experience, HTC Status makes it easy for people to stay connected to the things that are important to them. Rumors of a “Facebook” phone began starting last year, shortly before Facebook publicly denied that it was working on such a product. Rather than a Facebook-made phone, we are seeing HTC filling this market. A company that’s been so successful at making high-end Android and Windows Phone 7 handsets might be doing the right thing by further diversifying its offering. We don’t know when the phone will be available or how much but expect it to be available exclusively through AT&T for around $99.99 later this year. If you are a heavy smartphone user, the small screen and rather clumsy look might deter you. On the other hand, if you are a heavy Facebook user who enjoys sharing content with others as soon as you get your hands on it, this can be a perfect phone for you. What do you think of the Facebook phone? Is it something you might be interested? Let us know in the comments below! As usual, stay tuned for more news and info on the topic by following us on Facebook, Twitter and/or by subscribing to our RSS Feed. Authors: