Rumour: HTC Facebook smartphone due out by middle of next year

Back in November, we reported on rumours that HTC and Facebook were working together to develop a smartphone.

Now, it seems that the so-called 'Facebook phone' is close to entering the production stage, and is expected to be released around mid-2013.

The two companies had initially hoped to launch the phone by the end of 2012, but have decided to delay the launch to give HTC time to focus on other products.

This'll also reportedly give Facebook's software developers an opportunity to work on creating a customised version of Android to power the new device.

As always, we'll keep you posted on any new developments in the Facebook phone saga.