Facebook is forcing some of its engineers into using Android phones
Justin Sullivan/Getty
"I am mandating a switch of a whole bunch of my team over to Android, just because people, when left up to their own devices, will often prefer an iPhone," Cox said.
Android is now used by one-in-five people globally, and so creating a good Facebook experience is essential. However, if no Facebook employees use the app regularly they cannot flag up bugs and annoyances. Cox argues that engineers will be "living in the same experience that most Facebook users experience today."
The move comes as part of a larger focus by Facebook on emerging markets which includes "2G Tuesdays," forcing employees into using a slow internet connection, like much of the developing world. Facebook is used by more than 1.5 billion people, but that still leaves 4.5 billion potential users that the social network wants to reach.
It's unclear if Facebook will be providing the Android phones for those who are switching, or the kind of phones they will receive. There are reportedly more than 18,700 distinct Android devices available.
- I spent $2,000 for 7 nights in a 179-square-foot room on one of the world's largest cruise ships. Take a look inside my cabin.
- Colon cancer rates are rising in young people. If you have two symptoms you should get a colonoscopy, a GI oncologist says.
- Saudi Arabia wants China to help fund its struggling $500 billion Neom megaproject. Investors may not be too excited.
- Catan adds climate change to the latest edition of the world-famous board game
- Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
- Tired of blatant misinformation in the media? This video game can help you and your family fight fake news!
- JNK India IPO allotment – How to check allotment, GMP, listing date and more
- Indian Army unveils selfie point at Hombotingla Pass ahead of 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas