Facebook ramps up mobile efforts

Facebook

Facebook has launched a range of mobile updates as it seeks to make a splash in the mobility sector.

The new Android 1.4 update included the launch of Places and Groups, along with a refresh to the notifications application, which means clicking on a notification will not take the user to a browser.

The iPhone 3.3 update included the launch of Groups and a new composer designed to make checking in and posting photos quicker and simpler.

Facebook has also launched a new single sign-on feature to make it easier for users to access other applications.

"Now users logged into the Facebook app can use the Login with Facebook' button and in one click through a simplified permissions dialog, log into your app," explained Facebook engineer Yariv Sadan on a company blog.

"Creating a simpler login makes it easier for people to bring their friends with them on their phone, and allows you, the developer, to create more innovative, deeply social experiences."

The single sign-on feature is available for Android developers from today and will soon work on iOS devices as well.

The announcements came as Facebook reached a mobile milestone, with 200 million monthly active users now accessing the service over their smartphones.

Tom Brewster

Tom Brewster is currently an associate editor at Forbes and an award-winning journalist who covers cyber security, surveillance, and privacy. Starting his career at ITPro as a staff writer and working up to a senior staff writer role, Tom has been covering the tech industry for more than ten years and is considered one of the leading journalists in his specialism.

He is a proud alum of the University of Sheffield where he secured an undergraduate degree in English Literature before undertaking a certification from General Assembly in web development.