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Facebook has launched the ability to let users chat within applications on Facebook. This keeps applications within the social network even more social.

If a developer uses the new fb:chat-invite FBML tag, they can display a list of users' online friends and let them invite their friends to chat. Developers can also give users the freedom to choose which friends they want to appear in their chat lists within the apps.

"There are countless ways applications can integrate this feature," explains Yariv Sadan on the Facebook Developer Blog. "For instance, users can invite friends to start a live game, a couple can plan a trip or their wedding together sharing links, or friends can exchange reviews on music/restaurants/gadgets--all without leaving your application. We're sure you'll come up with even more ways to use this new functionality."

The ability to chat within an app should do wonders for the popularity of an unlimited number of them. With so many people using Facebook simply to connect with their friends, this is just another way that they can engage with one another within an entertaining setting. It's a feature that is long overdue.

"For instance, users can invite friends to start a live game, a couple can plan a trip or their wedding together sharing links, or friends can exchange reviews on music/restaurants/gadgets--all without leaving your application," says Sadan.

The addition of this social element to apps will likely inspire those skeptical of using apps in the first place to participate. I would not be surprised to see app use skyrocket. And with monetization of apps getting more play, developers and advertisers alike stand to make more money.