Palm Updates Facebook App In The Beta Feed, Adds Facebook Video Support 77
We were pleasantly surprised by the significant upgrade Palm made to its Facebook app a few weeks back, one that brought us the ability to view profiles, check events, manage our inboxes, and more. The newest iteration, currently available in the Beta channel, brings the ability to view Facebook video (something the iPhone app can't do), utilize shortcut keys, and use enhanced mailbox management options:
On the heels of the release of Facebook 1.1, comes the first Facebook Beta application with some cool new features such as Facebook video support – play Facebook videos in your stream, Shortcut keys – jump to sections by holding down the SYM key and : N = news stream, P = photos, S = search, I = inbox, U = your profile, E = events;Facebook comments stand out colored Facebook blue and access updates and joining messages and Sent mail, along with a bunch of bug fixes and enhanced error messages.
The Developer Relations Team, who have used the rewrite of the app as an exercise in "dogfooding", have promised that they will iterate on the app early and often. They're definitely making good on their word.
Update: Ben and Dion have a post up detailing the update. As they note, "Beta means beta," so don't panic if there are bugs in the app.
77 Comments
This is absolutely awesome. I'm glad to finally have a first class Facebook app.
Everybody should post what they want in the Feedback section here:
http://www.facebook.com/apps/application.php?v=app_2373072738&id=4620273...
as per what their post says:
"You can help us find bugs early, give us ideas on new features, give us real world advice on how certain features and ideas feel, and help us prioritize exactly what you want out of the app."
Also like the post above says, take note of this:
"Beta means beta. These releases are not tested in the same way as full releases, and new features may not be fully internationalized or localized."
First Class, indeed. I'm glad that we have ONE application that takes advantage of SHORTCUT KEYS!!!
Praise Gawd!! If there was anything I've wished more from when it came to webOS, it'd be shortcut keys. (Browser Multi-Mod patch, hint hint).
Honestly, this needs to be top priority. *Especially* in the browser. As someone states below, it's far easier to do this than anything else on their plate.
SHORTCUT KEYS ARE LIKE MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS... THEY'RE JUST MORE DIRECT!! FORGET ALL THAT TAPPING AND DRAGGING WHEN I'VE GOT A THUMBBOARD, MAN!! PRAISE GAWD FOR BEN AND DION!!
I can understand the priorities that Palm has had and even the rate they've been knocking those things down... But not having shortcut keys for the thumbboard is just totally sideways from any angle.
*sigh*
I mean... WHO DAT? BEN AND DION!!
So... Uh... What about notifications? All that stuff is cool, but I don't use any of it. Notifications would be great, and if they were integrated into WebOS, it would be a dream. However, that's all it seems to be right now - a dream :(
I agree. I don't miss chat as much as I miss viewing my notifications in the app. I still have to use facebook in the browser.
seems big for some. not a priority for me. in fact not even a desire to be notified.
I don't think we're talking about push notifications, but rather the notifications you get at the top left of the x.facebook site. The notifications that tell you when someone's written on your wall, or commented or something.
i see. i thought you wanted the light on you're phone to light up whenever someone wrote on your wall or commented. Either way it's not really on my list of important things. but if all you want is like a number showing they are there i don't see why that has taken so long. sort of strikes me as having email but no indication that you have new messages. I mean not a number or bold face text or anything. Regardless i'm not a heavy facebook user. so i'm ok with what they got so far.
So... Uh... Video rocks. Excited to see that. Notifications would be great, but I don't use 'em at all. The coin always has two sides.
sweet
That is really sweet.
It would be even sweeter if the Terminal app got fixed. It's been broke since the 1.4 update. Last time it was broke, it was almost a month and a half before it was fixed. Who's the author?
So... Uh... What about notifications? All that stuff is cool, but I don't use any of it. Notifications would be great, and if they were integrated into WebOS, it would be a dream. However, that's all it seems to be right now - a dream :(
where is facebook chat with notifications. MSN too.
HEY! How do I post forums in the forums?? and whats up with this damn comment reply?? I have to post the comment 20 times before it actually goes through. I only have this problem on Precentral. You guys need to step your game up!!
JUST DOWNLOADED IT coz palm tweeted bout it (tooting their own horn) I find it kind of cool that when you click on a video to see, it opens a web browser card and streams the video BEFORE YOUR EYES o O" ha! take that iphone. take that H A R D
uhm but yeah, gonna have to go with the obvious and ask WHERE THE FLIP ARE MY NOTIFICATIONS?! that's like the ONLY thing keeping me from actually using this app. notifications are what makes facebook, well...facebook. so for the time being, I'll use the fb touch site until my notification standards are met in the fb app. +1 for making it video compat. though :)
and btw this video thing apparently is only but a 0.0.1x update FTW!! the 2.0x update for the fb app will have the ability to read our minds :O
where is facebook chat with notifications. MSN too.
I like the quick update. I just agree with the posters before. Notifications would be really nice.
Still second rate until this app gets notifications...
where is facebook chat with notifications. MSN too.
why all the whining about notifications? would it be nice? sure it would,but in the mean time, just go into facebook and have it send notification via text or e-mail, it ain't brain surgery. (now here come the "I shouldn't have to do that" replies. Instead of being happy with the constant improvements we are getting people would rather complain about the existing imperfections. Is there a perfect smartphone out there? If there is, go use it and stop bothering us....
Me, I am happy that my pre just keeps getting better and better all the time...
most of the people here said that this is a nice update,looking good,,like it,,etc,,,simply saying that notifications would make it perfect is not complaining,i think everyone is just hoping for it all,,lol. Don't blame them,,we all want our cake and notifications to. ;)
I think the main reason for complaint is that the original Facebook Ap had notifications... so for people who use them, the new ap is a step backwards. As for text, I have that option turned on, but typing "n" and waiting for the next part of a 5 part message is a bit too much.
Shiiieet, complaining is what gets stuff done. How else will Palm know what to improve next?
More than I care about notification, I would love to be able to selectively sync facebook contacts with my Pre.
That I can understand...but sadly, it is unrelated to the Facebook App....
Great news. I'm so glad they're continuing to work on facebook. Have to agree with everyone though...we need notifications! Keep the updates coming and thank you very much
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That was fast since the last update hopefully when its out of beta theres notification.. That is one of the KEY features on facebook!
video... Not very cool. Takes you to a completely different web browser. Idk just think there's gotta be a cleaner way. Hope to see an update to the beta version
For me the main point of webOS is to be able to see things in different cards or within its specialiced card. I would actually love they to do the same to the galleries so I can browse a gallery and read the feed at the same time, albeit it might be confusing for some when doing the back gesture on the gallery and noticing nothing would happen.
I dont have access to the beta so dont know how things really work now anyway.
The beta is only dowloadable for english speaking countries, so german, spanish and so are out of the loop once again. For a beta, no less.
EDIT: Albeit this post may feel three days old, props to Palm for opening the beta for MX, DE and ES too :).
just like to point out that I get notified of updates via e-mail FASTER than the updates even show up in a computer browser with facebook open....or on my ipod touch on wifi....just saying.....
yeah i'm not sure why people complain SO MUCH about notifications when their are solutions, but it would be nice to be able to manage all things facebook in one area. It would also be nice to not have my inbox flooded with msgs from facebook.
I think it's a compartmentalizing and workflow thing, IMHO. I finally started filtering/archiving everything from FB because I was getting as many emails from them as from all my other sources of email.
So it's nice to go to an app and see all the notifications you've missed, when you ask (read: when you're killing time on Facebook). Plus from there you have the freedom to navigate around and see the actual threads, all within context.
It's how I do it anyhow, though I hear what you're sayin'.
I understand....and even agree...IT WOULD BE NICE. That being said, Palm updated the app to give us something we didn't have before, (and which other platforms don't have) and people just see that as an opportunity to complain about something else we don't have yet. I aknowledge, the pre, and some of palm's apps are not perfect, but again I ask....what phone platform IS PERFECT?
We are blessed with an open platform that affords us so much flexiblility, and is constantly being improved at a rate that I perceive to be faster than other platforms. (side note, I also own an android phone and an IPOD Touch for reference.) I would just like to see folks not be dumping on palm all the time and give them credit for what they are doing....
rant over....
Notifications are one of the corner-stones of WebOS, there is no reason why an app developed by Palm shouldn't have it.
While you may see it as "complaining", we are in fact objectively pointing out that notifications should be a part of this Facebook application.
The Wussification of America continues and we're no longer able to point anything else. We should all praise Big Brother and bow down to their every move, instead of telling them what we, as customers, would like....at least according to shcole.
Have you never heard of customer feedback? I know you must be young and indoctrinated with always trying to be nice and say nice things, but wow, you need help lady.
Actually, the wussification you speak of is people like you...who purchase a device that does not have capabilities that YOU deem to be critical, and then complain about not having the capabilities. That's called a bad decision on your part, but you will blame the maker of the device. Then when the company works to make improvements to it's device you will complain that it is not the improvement YOU want. Take some personal respsonsibiltiy and select the device that best meets your needs to begin with.
There is nothing wrong with giving constructive feedback to palm, but that is different from complaining, though I hesitate to try to explain the difference to someone such as yourself.
Your sense of entitlement is impressive however...go with it, that's what rocks your self centered world...
You lost the debate when you brought up Big Brother. Hyperbole maybe.
Minor correction: the new 1.1 Facebook app "a few weeks back" was last week. :)
Notifications are still needed in this app. Especially since WebOS 1.4 has issues with delayed text messages, etc.
Don't miss chat at all. Notifications is what separates this app from the iphone app.
Apologies in advance for the dumb question, but how do I access this?
click on the link on this article from your pre, then click on the download link.
Download "AppScoop" from the app catalogue. It is a channel to the recent beta apps.
geez, palm can't get it right. Have had problems logging in since Day 1. And this Beta app gives me probs logging in too. It has nothing to do with tweaks, resetting my phone, typos, etc. There is a large community of Palm Pre users who have this same problem and until Palm gets it right, people will continue to complain. Anyone paying money to a company has the right to voice their concerns. In fact, we're all investors and should all demand excellence. Or Palm should just get bought out already
your phone is still under warranty, get it fixed, replaced or you could probably even talk your service provider into swapping for another phone. Not real sure there is a large community of pre users who are having the same problem with an app just released via BETA today. Oh, and then there is that word BETA....wonder what BETA means!?!
You can complain because roses have thorns, or you can rejoice because thorns have roses
I bet that notifications is top on the list. I'm sure adding shortcut keys and playing video in a new card was easier than adding a complex feature like notifications. And who wouldn't want bug fixes.
Thanks for the update (Beta)
So while I'm using a native app that's snappier than your web app, my status updates say "updated on my Palm" and yours doesn't. I can't believe you wouldn't use 1.1.
hey guys how the hell do i download the update???
download here
http://developer.palm.com/appredirect/?packageid=com.palm.app.facebook.beta
thank you
Could someone explain the video? What am I supposed to be able to do with video?
If someone posts a video on facebook, for example on a Pre, you will be able to watch it straight from the application.
Is this only for youtube links or FB videos? I thought they needed flash for this? I tried the youtube link and it works fine (so does in the iphone app). But the FB video does not play and needs you to install flash for it to play.
For the videos that are facebook videos (not youtube links) instead of a flash install notice, it opens the video in a separate card.
Wow that is pretty cool, looking forward to it's release.
I downloaded it and everything seems to work except for my news feed. Just keeps trying to load the feeds and nothing happens.
Download works only for US devices...Nice Palm :(
oh no! Not even for beta apps
This app is not available in your country :-(
I have a Spanish Pre
I want it now and I want it perfect!
Is that the gist?
Are all message boards like this one?
I wonder if these people hold themselves to this same standard? Or their company where they work?
My guess is they will say yes, and I will call BS.
great news!! The application is more capable than the iphone's app. Hopefully palm will advertise it!! How good is to have a great OS, if nobody knows is out there, how many more millions of negative comments about their marketing campaign palm needs to get the point. Isn't enough to lose your butt in the stock market? Jesus christ palm! Wake up!
I've been thinking about using this app, but I'm afriad it's going to add my facebook friends into my contact list. Can anyone tell me if I can use the app without adding my friends to the Palm contact list?
you shouldn't see your fb folks in contacts unless you add your fb info into your contacts app..... Atleast that's how it worked for me. In general I have enjoyed the way synergy has dealt with that when I told contacts to add my fb folks as well.
You have got to add your facebook contacts. It's great to have profile pictures come up when people call. You shouldn't even be opening your contact app at all unless you are linking your contacts. Synergy is awesome and it's only this great on the WebOS, so use it.
as always: US only! Not available in my country.
I'm feeling like I own an Apple product as I'm constantly being patronized by Palm as to which apps I can download and which I can't. Great!!!
not in uk so poor lol
maybe someone could post the ipk file, or is it illegal?
notification is included. A number showed up at the top right to indicate how many you have. Select the number and it takes you to a nwe page with all of your notifications.
can I please see proof? a screen capture, maybe (option+symbol+p) and like twitpic it or something..? coz I went on fb touch site, and saw I had 1 notification, and opened my app and it said I had none. and I didn't look at my notification :/
I have downloaded the facebook 1.1.1 from appscoop. when I click on the videos it takes me to the youtube same as facebook version 1.1.0
Also when I open the app I keep getting Communication error message. Is the video suppose to stream within the facebook app?
I too noticed that some of the videos open up in youtube..but not all. I'm guessin videos that are already from youtube but reposted on facebook opens up in our youtube app...other videos are given the option to stream or download in a separate web card
am a O2 uk user
I am very glad that Palm has updated their FB app as quickly as they have, it shows they care about the concerns of their consumers. My problem with the app is picture uploading. Sometimes (rarely) it works and sometimes (mostly) it doesn't. There are never any error messages associated with a failed upload, it just stays on the screen with the caption and "paper airplane" icon. I wish that Palm would add a status bar or some sort of confirmation message that the picture has been uploaded. I would use the upload option from the album application but there's no way to add a caption to those. Am I the only one with this issue?
PS: I have restarted the Pre and reinstalled the app already. No go.
The beta can be downloaded by clicking on the links in this article from your pre. It's a separate program which is good since it's a beta.
Palm, are you there? The people has spoken. NOTIFICATIONS & CHAT, is your number one priority updating the next facebook app. Everybody wants Chat & notifications, we appreciate the Video Function,because now we can record & post on Facebook,& be able to watch, it'a cool. Anything else@this time you throw in the FB app,is cool,but CHAT&NOTIFICATIONS, will fulfill our anxious desire to be complete. Counting on you Palm.
Palm, please bring us notifications and full group and event functionality (as in, creating and editing groups and events, sending messages to all group members and event attendees, etc) these are essentials for people who run college clubs and organizations and need to set up events and send out important announcements on the fly!
I think I'll just be restating what everybody has said before. But I need notifications. I still have to use the web browser to check these. And it's exactly what I don't want todo. I personaly could care less about chat. But if alot of other people want it, then it's Palm's job to make it happen!
That sounds great now, if I could just upload pics to Facebook I might be able to upload video. I have tried everything possible to get it to work but no dice.
I've been waiting for that video support update, great to see its out, if only in beta for now. -wc