9 Comments »Last week I wrote that we are expecting the Facebook for Android application to go live this evening and according to the AndroidGuys, the application has officially launched. I personally don’t have an android device (unless Google wants to give us one to demo apps on of course 
) but there are already a number of screenshots circulating around the web (including here).
If you have an Android enabled device, please feel free to post your thoughts on the new application in the comments below and I’ll be sure to post any updates that we receive from Facebook. With over 65 million Facebook mobile users (and continuing to grow rapidly), Facebook is becoming an increasingly popular communications tool.
While Facebook didn’t develop the Android application in house, this time around, the company is rapidly expanding its mobile presence and has expressed a desire to have native developer libraries for all mobile platforms. There has also been speculation that Facebook’s mobile applications will turn into platforms within themselves as they have so many users, although Facebook has yet to confirm such plans.
Let us know if you get the opportunity to test out the Android Facebook application. We’ll also be sure to post any updates that we receive from Facebook this evening.
Nick,
I do have an android phone. But its not with me at the moment. I’ll log on this evening and play with it a bit and post my thoughts back here. Thanks for tip, the current Facebook light unsupported app I had running on there currently sucked, so I look forward to a supported app.
It’s already live. Didn’t play around a lot since it’s fresh in the market, but so far so good!
It’s clean, love the facebook phone contact folder and the Facebook home screen widget. I don’t see search capability yet? Am I missing something?
Just downloaded it…..Looking good so far!
OK so I downloaded it and I love it so far, its fast and the UI is natural.
You shake the handset to refresh your feeds. I like how user profiles appear. I don’t have to squint or see a limited info page.
The home screen widget is sweet, you don’t but have to look at it to see the latest of what your friends are up to.
I also love the facebook phonebook folder. I had my contacts synced with my blackberry previously, but when I switched, that broke. Now I have the numbers of contacts that I am always looking for when I am away at conferences.
Force close during start on G1, I can’t believe it!
i am badly waiting for this…please do mention the link where to download it
Pros:
Quite snappy/quick.
Liking things has never been so easy.
The widget is excellent if you have the screen real estate.
Cons (Features one should expect to see):
Most basic functionality requires the app to point to the mobile browser, which essentially negates one of the bigger pros.
Can not use friend filters (supported perfectly on Babbler) and does not honor whom you’ve hidden.
Can not search for friends.
Push notifications don’t seem to be working at this moment (except for friend requests), but YMMV.
No inbox.
Can’t view pictures.
Can’t see who “likes” a post.
Shortest refresh interval is 30 minutes.
Dream features (Above and beyond):
Video and video upload
Chat
Conclusion:
It’s a good framework and start, but the lack of features is beyond disappointing for such a long awaited app, and an official one at that. Its value rests almost solely on the widget and quickness of checking up on all the friends in your feed, but the lack of basic functionality above that is troublesome. For now, I’ll keep the app installed and the widget running, but the mobile interface and the free Babbler are the Facebook apps to go to.
You do get all your friends cell #’s tho in a live folder that u can place on ur home screen with everyone’s profile pics included.
just wish i could merge it with my real phonebook.
they better come out with updates fast. cuz…….