Facebook for Android Update: Places, Groups, and Notifications
by Jason Norment
Nov 3, 2010 2:06 PM –
Finally, Facebook has introduced some of the most requested features to be added to the Facebook for Android app. Version 1.4 was released earlier today and requires a manual update from the Market.
Places was launched earlier this year onto the iOS app and the mobile touch version of the Facebook site. This is similar to Foursquare and SCVNGR which allows you to check-in to restaurants, movie theathers, stadiums or any other business directly from your phone. Now instead of sharing your 4SQ and SCVNGR posts through their own app, Facebook has integrated their feature directly into the Android version. Also, you can see what Places your friends have checked into as well when viewing it from the app. Another way to stalk your family, friends, and enemies? Absolutely.
Groups is a new addition to the Android app as well. You can now view your groups, it’s members, and post information to the wall easily from your phone. It’s not quite as full-featured as viewing your Groups from the desktop version of Facebook but at least you can share some of the basic functions such as text posts and photos.
Last but not least, the biggest gripe a lot of users had with the Android version of Facebook: notifications. FB has finally made it so when clicking on notifications within the app it will redirect you back to the app rather than the mobile web version. This makes using the app so much easier. Granted, if you click on an external link it will still bring up your browser. However, now you can view posts, comments on your photos, and shared links instantly through the app natively. Bravo Facebook.
How do you feel about the new Facebook features? Will you now use the app instead of the mobile web version (as we all know some of you do)? Post your comments below!