Facebook plans to build Android powered 'Buffy' phone

Facebook has reportedly allied with HTC to build a customized smartphone that has a much deeper integration with the social network than any previous "Facebook phone".

The phone codenamed 'Buffy' will run a modified version of Google's Android mobile operating system.

HTC is known for modifying Android on its phones with its HTC Sense interface, and both Amazon and Barnes & Noble have created tablets with highly customised versions of the Android, so it's possible that Facebook is adopting a similar strategy, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

According to the report, the new deal, which would be serving up Facebook apps via HTML5 support, will allow users to play games like Farmville and Poker directly from the Facebook app.

According to Mashable, both HTC and Facebook have said that they do not comment on rumours and speculations.

A Facebook spokesperson, however, said that the company is working with mobile industry across the world to provide people powerful social experiences.

"Our mobile strategy is simple: we think every mobile device is better if it is deeply social. We're working across the entire mobile industry; with operators, hardware manufacturers, OS providers, and application developers to bring powerful social experiences to more people around the world," the spokesperson said.

According to the report, the most telling aspect of the rumoured phone is the codename. With a name like Buffy, the Facebook phone's mission is clear: slay all comers.