Facebook strategists clearly see the potential for growth in the mobile sector, seeing as 13% of their users log in from their phones. To some that number would have the appearance of success, but Facebook sees nowhere to go but up. They’ve begun talks with pretty much everyone in the business, and are hoping to bring more Facebook to more handsets, including Palm’s much-anticipated Pre and hopefully a whole bunch of Nokias.
At over 220 million users, Facebook’s growth may be starting to slow down in the traditional browser-based arena, but a couple real mobile clients included on major phones and backed by the likes of Nokia would be a huge shot in the arm.
So far the news is pretty vague, but we should know more in a few days from our man on the scene at the Mobile World Congress in beautiful Barcelona. Chances are there will be a few announcements from service providers like Facebook to go along with all the new handsets and services from folks like Samsung, Microsoft, and the rest of those guys. We’ve also heard that MySpace might be announcing support for Nokia and Palm phones (which wouldn’t be surprising given that its CEO is giving the event’s keynote), but we haven’t been able to confirm it — more on that tomorrow.
Its no surprise that 13% of users check from their phones. It’s digital crack.
You are right! Hopefully they can make more features for mobile users considering the mobile version is so basic! I definitely wouldn’t be surprised to that percentage go up and the coming months!
I use the Facebook iPhone app waaaaay more than I use the web browser. I still can’t believe no ads. I’m not complaining, just surprised.
It will be tremendously helpful to have a Facebook application on my Nokia E71. I access Facebook via the mobile site and while it works, the experience doesn’t compare to the app my wife uses on her iPod Touch. A better app on these mobile devices improves the experience and makes it more worthwhile using a mobile device than waiting to get to a traditional browser on a laptop or desktop.
That being said, the N97, for one, looks like it is going to have some pretty cool Facebook integration with widgets on the home screen. That should be pretty exciting and make Facebook almost a native service on the device.
No kidding. I reviewed the E71 and while i thought it was a great phone, its integration with stuff like this left a lot to be desired. I’m really hoping Nokia gives Symbian a major push soon.
I think the real potential will be the ability to access facebook apps from a mobile interface. The basic facebook functions are pretty limited and no where near as interactive as twitter or other micro-blog platforms. Accessing the thousands of facebook apps would expand the platform tremendously.
I agree fully!
Please don’t compare Facebook to Twitter. Twitter does 1 thing, Facebook does about 1,000,000.
That’s just my point. Facebook does a million things, but through the mobile interface, you only get acess to about 10. If they can open the mobile side of Facebook to the apps that support the platform, that becomes an Appstore within an App. The potential is huge!
Did you really just write an article that says “I don’t have any Facebook mobile news, but I’d like some?”
It’s news that there may soon be news. That’s news, right? Kind of?
And yet, Facebook still has a problem adding T-Mobile, like the 3rd largest U.S. cell carrier to their Mobile application.
Yes, T-Mobile customers can access to http://facebook.com via the Browser on their phone or what not. That is NOT what I am talking about, I am talking about Mobile.
Facebook will say that it is T-Mobile’s fault and to contact them. T-Mobile will say it’s Facebook’s fault and to contact them. It is an endless battle back and forth. Quite annoying. One of the parties needs to fess up and make things happen.
There is a lot of discussion on this too, even groups made on Facebook about it but left ignored. Sucks.
Mobile UIs > web clustermess.
The web based UX is terrible. I’m all about FB mobile.
FB would be so much more fun if they included more Blackberry apps.
Why the need to feel they have to team up with handset manufacturers? (And elsewhere the carriers too).
This is the web, folks.
Build a decent mobile web app and have it work on every phone on the planet.
I don’t remember the early web companies doing deals with PC manufacturers.
(Oh wait, I do: AOL got their link on my Windows 98 PC. So *that* worked out well ;-) )
Their iPhone app is brilliant in terms of UI and design…best I have seen so far.
While I can’t say anything about the iPhone app, the mobile version of http://facebook.com is a joy to use even on my WinMo browser.
Initially there are 13% of the users log in from their phones but i am sure it will increase day by day. so facebook user no need to surprise by 13% it will increase slowly.
There is a pretty decent facebook client working on the Widset framework (Java – http://www.widsets.com/) and it works on SE, Nokia – it has everything what I need when usingm my mobile.
Well i dunno, since I have to login over and over while surfing I may just skip it.
They’ve lately ramped up the mobile page. Besides the apps, the thing I find most useful about Facebook is the ability to update your status and comment on that of my friends. Previously, this wasn’t possible. Now it is.
The Facebook iPhone app is really, really good. If you got a blackberry, you should have chucked it by now anyways because it doesnt display full html pages… –> Outdated.
Personally, I am super happy that the iPhone app doesnt integrate the gazillion useless apps like ‘im a zombie and i bit you..’ or the infamous super wall that fills up with ridiculous stuff. All those apps are useless and get in the way of the primary use of Facebook.
Call me on Your Facebook Phone –
It’s important to note that a similar sounding post was written on TalkingMobile a few days ago…
http://www.hypick.com/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=405
Good step taken by Facebook to attract more visitors through handsets
What I want is a official Windows Mobile App for Facebook… most like the iPhone or Blackberry versions.
Here is to hoping they are serious about it, and not just playing around with their favorite platforms like they have been up until now. I always wonder when it is a business will “grow up” and realize that it is in their best interest to give the same level of support to any customer interested in their service, rather than following the childish impulse to reward those people who have the same device they do, while punishing those who buy devices they don’t like.
I will really know Facebook is serious about mobile apps, when they start supporting Windows Mobile, and Android, which they have repeatedly said they have no interest in, since I guess they don’t need those millions of users.
It not so much news as it is information. It appeased my need for information. The real issue is when does it become an infomercial. Even an underdog product can do so very very well even in todays times of crisis.
I think this is a big opportunity for mobile app developers to take advantage of this niche. Way to go FB!
I love my BlackBerry, but had a terrible experience with FB for BB – it slowed down the phone’s entire operation. So it was the first thing I deleted.
I have not tried the new FB for BB, and won’t until I see some good reviews.
So why would the GSMA give the power nod to MySpace CEO as a Keynote, and nada to Facebook?
Probably same reason they have Microsoft keynoting, and not Google or Apple.
try the INQ phone , its client offers seamless FB experience
It’s interesting to note the growth of Facebook and other social networks on mobile devices could be directly linked to the fact that many employers block access to such sites on work computers. Your boss, however, can’t block your mobile device.
While some are worried in creating new social networks exclusively to mobile phones, Facebook is expanding. They have a nice business view, I must say.
Important: maybe Facebook will be inside Nokia devices.
FacebookIM – Facebook Chat Client for Windows Mobile (PPC)
http://forum.xda-developers.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=156700&d=1234480050
I bet they penetrate Nokia and the new Pre. Should be pretty easy for them at the negotiating table. The expansion of the mobile net is unstoppable; facebook is on the right side of this and is wise to attempt to capitalize on it as quickly as possible. It’s probably worth checking here* on the security of your mobile digital activities.
I too have been shocked and disappointed by the lack of good FB apps for Blackberry. Hope this is improved upon soon.
Facebook.mobi is active today as well. Look for FB to build out a mobile-friendly website there as well..
i use facebook every where now on my mobile like on bed, while driving, while in a bathroom even.
this is really a great service,
i dont think but i am sure 13 % will go upto 100 % very soon.
i think it is stupied becuase they used all my minutes on my cell phone they used about 13 dollares in one dam day i think that is not right i would like them to stop i sent them an email for them to cancell it and they didn;t do it what kind of bussniss is that your truly rhonda ritchie
well if i did already said that wy dont they do something the i tired of them useing my phone they didn;t say thy where going to do that rhonda ritchie
when are they going to stop using my cell phone then