Facebook does it again. They find some other way to completely invade your personal life. In our last class we discussed mobile platforms, and how hitting these platforms is going to be the "big move" of all of the world's strongest companies. Well, I think Facebook might get the prize for making the first "big move." They have recently released "Home," a new software suit, or app, for Android phones that completely takes over your phone and makes your lock screen a continual scroll of your Facebook newsfeed (your "Cover Feed"), removes all your apps from your lock screen, and even centers your lovely profile picture on your screen so that you can swipe it in various directions to access your FB messages, most recently used apps, etc.
Facebook has completely redesigned a phone's Home screen to be your Facebook newsfeed. Accessing your contacts, Internet browser, etc., is not as simple as clicking the button anymore. Instead you have to use your profile picture icon to swipe around and find your apps.
What is a little more scary about this new release is the advertising capabilities it provides, as the Times article says:
"What’s missing? Video posts and ads. Both, Facebook says, are coming soon. Yes, you read that right: the latest billboard for advertising is your own cellphone’s home screen. Are you ready for this?"
So, I guess I didn't speak too soon when I mentioned in class the idea of having targeted ads pop up on your home screen, because - guess what - Facebook is ON TOP of that!
Full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/11/technology/personaltech/facebooks-grab-for-your-phone-what-gives.html?_r=0
