Facebook is rumored to be secretly working on developing a new phone. The idea of the phone traces back to Google's now disbanded Project Ara.
It is believed that major Google figures working on this project have now shifted to Facebook. However, this is not Facebook's first attempt to crack the smartphone hardware market. It has collaborations with HTC in 2013 which proved to be unsuccessful.
According to CNET, the new project is codenamed Building 8.The project is said to involve many technology experts from different organizations. It notably includes Rafa Camargo, Richard Wooldridge, and Blaise Bertrand. The trio was earlier with Google, working on its modular phone project Ara.
The details about the secret projects are scarce. It is likely that the project deals with two main aspects which are mobile and modular. Earlier this year, Mark Zuckerberg had alluded that Building 8 would work on "augmented and virtual reality, artificial intelligence, connectivity and other important areas."
CNET also reported various updates and blog postings made by Facebook. The report revealed some hirings made by Facebook, with Building 8 in mind. It also suggested that the social media company was specifically looking for people with Android mobile experience.
It seems that Facebook is now more serious about its phone ventures than its previous attempt. In 2013, the company had launched a co-branded phone with HTC. Despite much hype, the phone failed to make any mark in the market.