Facebook’s Messenger 1.9 is all Smiles

Facebook’s attempts are not just to go mobile, but partner with the most successful feature services. However, making apps for Facebook for mobile platform is not just challenging for third-party developers. Facebook’s own in-house team feels just as challenged.

This need for external support was also strongly felt for their messenger service as well. Which led to their acquisition of Beluga, a popular group messaging service. Facebook Messenger that became a standalone Facebook app for the PC and smartphones. But to compete against other social networks such as Google’s Chat as well mobile devices in house text services proved that something more than just words was needed. So now we have their updated Facebook Messenger version 1.9 for iOS and Android, which allows users to add emoticons such as smileys and hearts.

The change may not sound like a big deal, but will definitely thrill the teenagers. Apparently, Facebook has been pretty thorough in their research and the reason for this latest development: Renowned research company Pew’s recent report shows a rising trend of teenagers prefers using social network’s messaging services to interact with their each other on a daily basis. The percentage exceeds those using IM, phones or e-mails. Use of emoticons complements text in a quick and easy way. Some even go as far as to say they give ‘life’ to a message.

But why Emoji? The use of emoticons to complement the text changes the appearance and meaning of the Apparently, this Japanese artwork seems to have gained more popularity around the world more than any other emoticons. This led to the alternative keyboard on the iPhone dedicated exclusively to Emoji.

What next? With every update comes another new challenge, which is how to improve it further. Some comment suggest how adding video to messages will be another plus point for Facebook Messenger. Google on the other hand has the video chat, but not emoticons yet. So it’s highly likely they will borrow the idea from each other.

Unless of course Facebook decides they would much rather go for another acquisition. The first one that comes to mind is Skype whose users have exceeded 40 million. And they have a great set of emoticons too. Earlier both Google and Facebook had considered buying the company on more than one occasion. That is until Microsoft purchased it. If Skype is reconsidered, it will involve incentivizing the partnership with Microsoft. Except for one drawback: Skype is just as weak in their mobile strategy as Facebook and right now, Facebook is in a state of panic in going mobile.

The best and, as was mentioned at the beginning, the most difficult choice would be to make a Facebook application which would be combination of all of the above.

Salman Ghaznavi Originally Found this on Avenuesocial

Salman Ghaznavi is the founder of Avenuesocial Inc. a company focused on social media marketing and tool design & development. Avenuesocial is one of the premium Facebook App Consultants, and My role is to actively pursue a global strategy, create and help roll-out Avenuesocial social tool, the AS Pathways. The AS Pathways tool offers social media marketing and analytics with integrated campaign management (on Facebook and Twitter), multi-channel execution, engagement reports and user management.

Facebook’s Need For Speed-y Action

“We’ve rebuilt the app so it’s faster and easier to use.” With this latest statement issued at the iTunes store, Facebook has gained several points with its mobile users.

When in Rome…Facebook may have understood the need but seemed to have avoided the eventual: which was to go native on the iOS. Finally, they recently hauled their mobile app on iPhone and iPad by switching from the web-friendly HTML5 to i-friendly Objective C. The 5.0 version update contains more than double the speed than its predecessor.

We can only guess the reason for delay. Could be because HTML5 allows direct access to content and updates, whereas using Objective C means rerouting through the app store. By the time the app opened to Newsfeed, it would be time for the user on the go (Facebook needs to be reminded of this), to get on with whatever is on their busy agenda. Another reason could be HTML5’s cross-platform compatibility.

This delay proved costly as users deleted the app because of its snail-paced speed. Goes to show the company needs to speed up its decision-making and action process too. But what they have made it clear that mobile is the way to go. And hopefully they’re reading up on feedback too.

Users do understand the trouble that goes into making technological changes. One little feedback among a torrent of spam can prove to be most useful for companies like Facebook, who attempt to balance their monetary success, which is not happening as well as expected, but also to fulfill user demands that are just as fast paced.

So time is most crucial here, because of the growing competition among social networks like Foursquare that are completely mobile. And no sooner have they improved on speed come a another hail of comments about how they need to work on other features such as sharing and to pay equal attention to other mobile devices such as Android and Blackberry.

On the other hand there are Facebook developers who have to contend with the changes too. They have been content since the introduction of Facebook App Center on iPhone, because that meant they did not have to make create two separate apps for the web plus iOS. It may be that they would have to do a little more learning. Right now Facebook apps on require a blend of PHP and HTML5, but it’s likely that it will soon become mandatory for all programming languages to be device-specific. It’s now a question of how cross platform compatibility will be possible when and if the change does happen.

Salman Ghaznavi Originally Found this on Avenuesocial

Salman Ghaznavi is the founder of Avenuesocial Inc. a company focused on social media marketing and tool design & development. Avenuesocial is one of the premium Facebook App Consultants, and My role is to actively pursue a global strategy, create and help roll-out Avenuesocial social tool, the AS Pathways. The AS Pathways tool offers social media marketing and analytics with integrated campaign management (on Facebook and Twitter), multi-channel execution, engagement reports and user management.

Social Security: Change Your Password Now!

No matter how tight the securities in the real world, leaders are assassinated, banks are robbed and jails broken. Life online is as full of threats as the physical world and so, cause for fear is valid in the case of identity and password thefts. The vulnerability among users is aggravated more so when the breach occurs on a large scale, causing insecurity that affects other social media as well that spreads like a contagion. But putting the entire responsibility on social networks is unfair, though they do bear the greater part of it.

Everyone is affected in the process: The company’s reputation is damaged, the user faces threat and even the innocent third party stakeholders become victims of generalization. Because of this, users are being warned against downloading applications that extract personal information without user permission. This is one of the reasons why Facebook developers are finding it increasingly challenging to market their applications.

What worsens the situation are the counter measures, or lack thereof, in the face of threat by social media companies. LinkedIn is now infamous for not having acted in a timely manner after learning that user passwords were being stolen. Their second mistake was their attempt at covering the incident. They will have to now double their efforts at regaining the trust of over 6.4 million users whose passwords were stolen.

Users are obviously wary, but whether they are paying closer attention to site policies and agreements, and most of all the security tips that were once ignored entirely, is still uncertain. Social sites and email administration advise users to change their password frequently. But the tendency to be laid back until trouble arises comes naturally to most, and isn’t constantly changing passwords a hassle? Perhaps now users will pay more heed.

Huffington Post recommends, just as you possess a different key for all your locks, so you should keep a different password for each site. The recent mishap with password theft on LinkedIn could happen on Facebook as well, so Facebook is already preparing to protect their 900 million users in case they fall victim to a similar scenario. Users will soon be asked to confirm their passwords through their mobile phones. This way, should Facebook accounts be hacked, and then the social medium will be able to wipe out user passwords and send new ones to users directly through SMS. In addition, with their mobile strategy in full swing, Facebook has introduced an account recovery authentication tool for mobile Facebook users as well as a ‘Code generator’ on Android apps. Sounds effective, and hopefully enough to keep out the evil hackers.

Salman Ghaznavi Originally Found this on Avenuesocial

Salman Ghaznavi is the founder of Avenuesocial Inc. a company focused on social media marketing and tool design & development. Avenuesocial is one of the premium Facebook App Consultants, and My role is to actively pursue a global strategy, create and help roll-out Avenuesocial social tool, the AS Pathways. The AS Pathways tool offers social media marketing and analytics with integrated campaign management (on Facebook and Twitter), multi-channel execution, engagement reports and user management.

Video Games Turn Serious Business into Fun Activity

It is common knowledge that video games are very popular in the entertainment industry for the obvious reason that they are entertaining. In the past few years, marketing professionals took up the gaming industry and changed its course by monetizing through game application on social media. They are used for advertising and marketing campaigns with a high success rate, a new way to understand their consumers through social tags such as ‘share,’ ‘like’ and ‘comments.’ Different methods are applied by companies to use games to their advantage. Running a contest is a very powerful marketing tool. Game designs may either be classic or offer reward incentives in the form of challenges. Third- party Facebook developers are usually hired for the purpose as they not only use creative design elements but cover all ground of social gamification. But there are some other unusual ways where it has been incorporated into professional programs and interestingly, entertainment is not the sole purpose.

For social services

Players have been actively involved in donating to charitable causes through online games. ‘WeTopia’ is a city-building game application. Reviews have mostly been more favorable towards the purpose more than the user experience, which is rated ‘average.’ Actions in the game result in some form of donation to improve children’s lives in poverty stricken areas within the US and other countries.

For the medical profession

A few years ago, the Associated Press reported on a research study by the Iowa State University of how video games can improve surgeons’ performances during surgical procedures. The four month study required these surgeons to play video games involving hand and eye coordination, a skill necessary for surgeons. It was proven that surgeons who spend three hours of video gaming on a weekly basis tend to perform ‘faster’ tasks and make ‘fewer mistakes.’ Although this specifically referred to laparoscopic surgery, which requires finger dexterity, another research center has implemented video game as part of general surgical training.

For military training

Texas’ Times Record News reported on an ongoing experiment at Sheppard Air Force Base to prove that video games positively impact military officers. If the hypothesis proves true, then video games will become part of military training. But not just any games. The genre will be selective to games that require brainwork, such as the puzzle and logic genre similar to those used in the study. The reason is that such games improve cognitive adaptability to situations, an essential trait that proves useful during wartime.

This trend has been picked by numerous other professions as well. Consequently, social media is spurred into becoming more active in creating game apps to help make the world not just more connected, but contribute to social and scientific development.

Salman Ghaznavi Originally Found this on Avenuesocial

Salman Ghaznavi is the founder of Avenuesocial Inc. a company focused on social media marketing and tool design & development. Avenuesocial is one of the premium Facebook App Consultants, and My role is to actively pursue a global strategy, create and help roll-out Avenuesocial social tool, the AS Pathways. The AS Pathways tool offers social media marketing and analytics with integrated campaign management (on Facebook and Twitter), multi-channel execution, engagement reports and user management.

8 Great Reasons For Considering iOS6 for your iPhone

For the typical user, updates may seem just a routine thing to do in technology. They barely give thought beyond the UI to the expansive work that goes on by manufacturers and mobile application developers.Its only when there’s a major overhaul in user experience or software innovation will they pay attention. The rest of the time, the excitement is mainly shared by those that make the difference. Every little tap and click on the device sets forth an operation that resembles factory mechanisms, except that they are intangible such as mobile apps.

Apple recently announced beta 4 release for iOS 6 version available for developers to test iPhone applications. The main points have been extracted from their press release.

1. iOS6 can be tested through the iOS Simulator
2. To check for content accessibility an app can check it through the authorization status API
3. Warning to not follow proper instructions on installation could render the mobile as unusable.
4. Once upgraded the device cannot return to its former version.

Now for some more interesting changes to look forward to:

1. Siri, iPhone’s digital assistant can install apps.
2. Facebook is integrated as a built in application to fulfill all the social needs.
3. FaceTime now has a cellular connection where the call receiving option is also available on the iPad and Mac.
4. ‘App Banner’ is a feature that advertises native apps which users can easily view, click and download.
5. iCloud allows easy sharing of photos
6. Additional apps are an attractive bonus. Such as Passbook for loyalty cards management.
7. Apple is introducing its own mapping app, Maps which features various services
8. Bluetooth sharing is another exciting feature for users who prefer to share data with those in close proximity.

In short, reviews have been extremely positive and worth the upgrade. The iOS6 is expected to be released this fall.

Salman Ghaznavi Found this Original Post on SocialJitney.Com

Superb Smartphones Need Superb Apps

They are all into it–Rolex, Prada, Cartier, Chanel, Armani, Louis Vuitton — not with their latest summer wear, but showstopper designer mobile phones. To look at them, you would think these designers have become tech savvy. But while their exteriors are par excellence, yet most don’t have classy tech specs to match. Spending an exorbitant amount only to have a regular user experience and outdated OS is certainly not value for money. They would do far better if they invest as much in ‘rich’ mobile applications, because isn’t that what brands are about–quality– inside and out? Anyway, looks matter and so they are selling like hot cakes.



Chairman by Ulysse Nardin

For those who think Google’s Android is charitably priced for the masses, then they are unaware that they have also donned the title of Guinness World Records as the ‘most expensive mobile phone.’ The diamond-encrusted hybrid device bears the label of the renowned Swiss watch manufacturers, Ulysse Nardin. The brilliant handcraft blends superbly with high tech. It comprises the OS Gingerbread and sophisticated Android applications that fit right in the midst of such luxury. Price starts from USD 14,000 up to 130,000. All you have to do is sell everything you own and more. But you may be too late because its limited edition will sell out even before it hits the shelves of some 20 select countries.

TAG HEUER  Racer

This Android smartphone has been inspired by and is built of the same materials as its sponsor, the race car Formula 1. It has 3D UI and 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich for its OS. The product will be available in the market this month on for the curious, including app developers who will race to see how fast applications will run on this super smartphone.

Lamborghini TL700

Another recently launched device modeled after the luxury car, it sports Android OS Gingerbread. They have received more than too many disappointing reviews with regards to their specs.

Originally Posted By SocialJitney.Com

Olympics on Facebook

We can either be impressed with the offer, or consider them unremarkable for attempts at creating fanfare for the king of all sports events: the Olympics.

Olympics Games City

To begin with, the latest game launched is dedicated to the ongoing Olympics and the various sports that can be played online as Facebook applications. The game mechanics bear strong resemblance to Sims City and other city building games on Facebook. The game play has not received any favorable reviews and since it’s theme-based, it is predicted to be short-lived once the fervor dies out. Most reviewers recommend the game to be played with friends, which allows for faster and more challenging advanced levels. But that also means paying for the game. All in all, the idea is worth it in trying to capture the spirit that makes the game somewhat worth a short while.

NBC/Facebook

But is the next idea any better?  For several reasons, yes. Facebook collaborated with NBC channel earlier this month to provide full, live coverage of the Olympics. NBCs hopes are pinned to the 900 plus users, encouraged after watching CNN’s application running successfully over the up and coming election. And pinned they were, but largely containing angry protests by viewers against tape delay. That has apparently not affected their ratings, which were revealed as ‘record high’ in the US, amounting to over 14 per cent more than the previous Olympics.

Other ‘Olympic tools’ that prove useful are ‘2012 Olympics Hub’ and a Fan page created especially for interaction and finding information on everything Olympic.

Originally Posted By Avenuesocial.Com

Apps to Manage Apps

Is there really a need for so many apps? The iTunes store has over 650,000 applications and several hundred are in the development process as of now. Despite that requests for more apps outnumber those that ask for apps to be reduced. Some clearly spell out the exact specs for apps not present in the app store. Here is a quote as evidence: “I need an APP with the following ability: Input names, dates of births, physical characteristics, list tattoos or scars and face photos… I would pay for this app and several law enforcement officers would as well…”

Then there is the Beam Brush application recently launched for the hygiene conscious. The iOS app monitors toothbrushing habits via Bluetooth through a specially designed toothbrush! Those who find this piece of news amusing would be surprised to learn that such apps are downloaded and used. Heavy duty research is conducted prior to application development to find out what users want and the reason for the existence of such apps and because there is a demand for them.

All reasoning focuses on a single point: to make life easy from every aspect. This may be for educational, professional or personal use or simple entertainment. But with this variety, it can become hard to manage and not know for sure whether so many apps will serve as convenience. This brings to mind an initiative by Huffington Post, who has launched a website, ‘The Reddit Edit’. It extracts and organizes news from a news management website, Reddit. That’s simplifying, meaning that you don’t require sifting through an assortment to get to more specific and important information.

In a similar way, there are software products such as Xilisoft’s ‘iPhone Magic’ and applications on the iTunes store that reduce or eliminate the number of steps for an app process. Such as ‘Easy Media Transfer: Web, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth & Dropbox.’  The app is capable of quickly transferring and exchanging videos, photos and even entire albums from one iOS device to another as well as from iOS to a Mac using any of the wireless technologies, including cloud storage.

With the success of ‘Bump’ that allows sharing photos between two iPhones by simply touching each other’s device or between mobile and PC, they have introduced another photo and video-sharing app, ‘Flock –  Photos Together.’ It automatically selects you and your friends and groups them from entire photo albums which can then be shared with friends. This omits the tiresome work of going through each photo individually. The app also has the ability to remove faces of insignificant persons from the pictures.

Originally Posted By SocialJitney