A new phone by INQ that connects users to social networking site Facebook at the touch of a button is designed to "bring the mobile Internet, and especially mobile social networking, to a much wider audience," said chief executive Frank Meehan.

The INQ1, dubbed the 'Facebook phone,' is targeted to consumers who find "smartphones such as the iPhone, Blackberry Storm and G1 too expensive." Customers will be able to use social networking, email, instant messaging and "surf the mobile web" from the device that is available in the UK, Australia and Hong Kong next month.

"The 85% to 95% of the market that did not buy the iPhone, and cannot afford an expensive smartphone has been frankly forgotten," Meehan said.  The company is looking to reach a large audience, releasing the device just in time for Christmas.  The web-surfing possibilities for the device provide an interesting outlet for online news organizations, which could also look to capitalize on social networking availabilities to gain readers.

Source:  Guardian