Facebook

Facebook today unveiled what CEO Mark Zuckerberg called the "next version" of the social networking site. Facebook Home is a new UI for Android devices that transforms a user's smartphone or tablet into a central hub for Facebook. When asked if Home will also be available for iOS devices Zuckerberg replied, “Apple is a very controlled environment". Meaning you will probably never see Home on your iPhone or iPad.

The Home interface is just too invasive for Apple's closed ecosystem. When installed, it takes over a device's lock screen, home screen and even notifications. This is something Apple would never allow. Zuckerberg said, Facebook has "great relationship with Apple", but that doesn't mean they will welcome a UI that overrides iOS. It's just not the way Apple does things.

Facebook has been working hard on its iOS app, with several updates launching recently. The latest free update hit the App Store on February 22. Most visible are new sharing buttons, which are simpler to use and provide an easier way to like, share and comment.

Free in-app calling is now officially a part of the Facebook app for iOS, making it possible to call your friends in the US and Canada without using voice plan minutes. The feature will of course use up some of your data plan as these calls are placed over the Internet.

We already pointed out in December that iOS devices seem to be running more Google apps than any other apps available in the App Store. So it makes sense that five of the top six mobile apps In 2012 were made by the search engine giant. Apple's decision to replace Google Maps on iOS 6 is the only reason why Facebook managed to nab the number one spot in 2012, according to the latest comScore Mobile Metrix ranking. Other apps rounding out the chart include Pandora, iTunes, Cooliris and Yahoo! Messenger.

Facebook also dominated in app usage accounting for 23% of time spent on apps. Facebook's redesigned app, which was much faster and user friendly, probably helped with usage. Facebook's sister app Instagram nabbed 3% of the market, while Gmail was the most used Google app. Various Google apps also accounted for 10% of app usage, making Facebook and Google products the most used on mobile devices in 2012.

Facebook has begun rolling out its free voice call service to U.S. iPhone users. The free voice calling feature was originally tested in Canada, but now iPhone users in the U.S. with the Facebook Messenger app can also use the service.

To make a free voice call from the Facebook Messenger app, just tap the "i" icon in the top right hand corner while viewing a chat with the person you want to call. You will be taken to the "Contact Info" screen that now features the "Free Call" option. The calls can only be made over a Wi-Fi connection, so don't expect to use it while on the road.