Facebook reportedly used tech errors to cause its Android app to crash in past years, in order to test the loyalty of the social network's users. It seems the social network was preparing for the day it would compete directly with search and ad rival Google. Details of the tests including how often they were run and how many Facebook users were involved is unclear, but it seems that people were willing to wait until the mobile app was up and running again.

The Information reported the social media giant's tests of customer loyalty. A person who knew about Facebook's tests told The Information that people continued to use the social network's app.   

In fact, victims of long-term errors did not give up Facebook forever. Instead, many of them used the mobile browser version of the world's largest social network, according to The Verge.

The big picture was that Facebook wanted to prepare for a war with Google in which its apps would be banned from the Play Store. Facebook is the biggest developer of Android apps. However, the social network's users could eventually download Facebook applications and services from an app store that is a direct rival of the search giant.

Mark Zuckerberg's social network would reportedly be ready to take big steps if Google yanked its apps from the Play Store. They could include developing similar services provided by Google apps, and providing ways to download the Facebook app outside Google's online store, according to Engadget.  

However, Engadget points out that Google's pulling the Facebook app would cause some problems. They include less Facebook-based Web traffic to the Play Store, and lost ad revenue.  

Facebook has not commented about the reported tests of loyalty. However, it seems that the social network is preparing for the day it could directly vie for Google's market share.