Facebook Android app getting closer

Thanks to close collaborations with Apple, Microsoft, RIM (BlackBerry) engineers, and so on, Facebook-sponsored applications are available for a wide spectrum of mobile phones. An official Android app is in the works, Facebook has confirmed, with Facebook and Google working together on the software.

Not long now, folks
(Credit: CNET Australia)

Some have scoffed that they'd never see the day when the two Silicon Valley titans pause the rivalry long enough to cooperate on a project. The truth is that they need each other, at least this time. Google needs to fill its Android application store front with popular titles to stay relevant, and Facebook needs to ensure that mobile users can continue accessing core functionality from any device. It would be overstating the issue to suggest that, in one sense, they both need each other to beat each other, but in the case of this small victory, the brand win is important to both.

Facebook for Android is expected to launch with fewer features than its iPhone counterpart, TechCrunch reports. If that tip is correct, users may have to make do without the message inbox. However, Facebook for Android will centre on the familiar activity feed and status updates, and is said to be powered by Facebook's Stream API.

We'll see what transpires when the application materialises, so stay tuned for an update and hands-on review in the near future. Neither Facebook nor Google would share a release date, but a Facebook representative told CNET that the app is coming "soon".

Android has the strong Fbook app from developer NextMobile Web, but with all due respect, it's akin to serving margarine instead of butter; margarine salts and fattens just fine, but we all know it's not the same thing.


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FrankB1 posted a comment   
Australia

If we are to educate users online about the importance of Web 2.0 and beyond, isn't it about time we put away our fear of other companies and amalgamate our resources together. There are always avenues in which companies will create their own revenue for themselves, when we focus on social-marketing or social-networking we want to see more co-operation from the 'Big Guy's' otherwise we will most likely draw away from these platforms all together. Can we find a medium balance and look at ways we can work as a team or a combined force for the better good.

 

Sam Leung posted a comment   

Well for those who couldn't find the blog. It's http://fbandroid.wordpress.com

and for purchasing paid apps in australia (bloody optus get your act together)..

www.slideme.com

 

Sam Leung posted a comment   

Umm it hardly matters that an official app is in the works for Android as the app Bloo which has been available for over a month now is far better than any mobile facebook app on any platform. Monday see's the release of version 1.3 and u can scope the features over the official bloo blog, ahh google for that one. It's a paid app at $1.49us. Paid apps in aus can be bought via slideme.com .. well worth it.

 

Lemo711 posted a comment   

oooohhhhh so exciting!!!!!, no wait it's not. Just get an iPhone, geez




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