SOCIAL NETWORK Facebook announced a handful of improvements for its Facebook Home Android skin on Friday amidst reports that that app isn’t doing so well.

The update, which is available as a free download from Google Play, most notably brings a favourite apps tray to Facebook’s custom Android skin, letting users access their most frequently used apps easier.

Facebook said, “Included in the Android update is the first new feature for Home, a dock that makes it easier for people to access their favourite apps.

“Early feedback from users focused on a desire for a more robust app launcher and in addition to a dock, Facebook is working on folders and widget support which will come in future updates.”

Improved sharing is also included in the update, and Facebook claims it’s now easier for users to keep an eye on who they are sharing with. For example, Facebook Home users can now easily select not to share those drunken photos from the weekend with their parents. The ability to share multiple images in one message has been added too, which users can do simply by tapping the ‘+’ symbol.

Facebook said that the update also improves the memory and stability of Facebook Home, so users should see an all-round smoother experience once they’ve installed the latest version.

This first major update for Facebook Home comes amidst chatter that the social network is struggling to win over users with its Android user interface. In fact, it is apparently doing so badly that HTC reported “disastrous” HTC First sales in the US, which subsequently lead to it canceling its UK launch.

Facebook Home is available to download via Google Play for free and is compatible with the HTC One and Samsung Galaxy S4.