|
|
|
|
BlackBerry Adds Web 2.0 Facebook ApplicationOct 26, 2007 FaceBerry or BlackBook. Whatever combo-name is used, Research In Motion's new application for Facebook on the BlackBerry moves the company's popular mobile device further into the Web 2.0 world. The free, downloadable application from RIM allows streamlined, mobile access to Facebook, which has been recreating itself in recent months as a platform for social-networking applications. Demonstrated by RIM founder Mike Lazaridis and Facebook cofounder Dustin Moskovitz at the CTIA Wireless show in San Francisco earlier this week, the Facebook app will first appear as a native addition to BlackBerry handsets offered through T-Mobile. Sharing a VisionBoth Facebook and RIM share a vision of mobile communications and social networking, Lazaridis said in a statement, based on standards-based platforms that leverage "the push-based architecture, multimedia features, and industry-leading usability of the BlackBerry solution." Rather than having to rely on browser-based access to Facebook, BlackBerry owners will be able to use the new application to send and receive notifications, "wall posts," or "pokes." A unique ringtone or vibration can be set for communications from Facebook members, and users can scroll through messages much as they do with e-mail. Additionally, the new app lets mobile users can take a photo and upload it to Facebook with captions, manage a photo album, or invite Facebook friends to events and manage those occasions. RIM said Facebook's photo features will be integrated with BlackBerry's camera and photo-management applications. If travelers want to spend their airplane time on Facebook, they can read, write, and reply to Facebook messages while offline. Those messages are stored until the user has connectivity once again. Expanding 'Enterprise'In the announcement, RIM cited data that indicates this application might help extend the reach of the BlackBerry line. According to Yankee Group, 19 percent of adult consumers who use social networks such as Facebook on their PCs also keep in touch through those sites on their mobile devices. Avi Greengart, an analyst with industry research firm Current Analysis, said that, at first glance, an enterprise device with a social-networking app "built for college kids" might seem like an odd combination. But, he said, we're seeing college kids getting BlackBerrys, and RIM is actively trying to make the BlackBerry even more appealing to prosumers. The addition of the Facebook app, he noted, could be seen as a continuation of the evolution of the BlackBerry, just as adding a music player was. In fact, Greengart said, about 30 percent of BlackBerrys are being used outside of big enterprises. "RIM is still targeting the enterprise," he noted. "They're just trying to expand the notion of what an 'enterprise' is." This new combo indicates not only the evolution of the BlackBerry, but also possibly of Facebook. Greengart noted that "some people are using Facebook as an alternative to LinkedIn, at least among the Web 2.0 crowd," as a way to make and maintain business contacts. |
Tag This Page: Digg Del.icio.us Reddit |
Need More Information? Search the whole Web or just the Mobilook site here: |
Top Pages on Mobilook
|
top cellphone
news site map home |