Facebook will unveil its own front end touch interface for Android smartphones at its press conference on Thursday (April 4), according to a report, Digital Spy said.

The Facebook Home platform is believed to be an overlay for a connected device's home screen that brings close integration with the social network.

Mark Zuckerberg's firm previously sent out media invites for an event where Facebook's "new home" on Android will be revealed, fuelling rumours that a Facebook-branded smartphone is about to be announced.

However, 9to5Google claims that software will be showcased at the press conference, with Facebook unveiling its answer to Samsung's TouchWiz and HTC's Sense.

HTC has been tipped to unveil a new mid-range smartphone to serve as the launch vehicle for Facebook Home, having previously partnered with the social network for the HTC ChaCha and HTC Salsa handsets.

Zuckerberg has previously stated that Facebook will be investing heavily in the mobile market, but has downplayed rumours of a move into the smartphone hardware business.