It was recently discovered that Mark Zuckerberg had begun using an Android device. Many Android users were hopeful that would lead to the company improving its Android app, which has been less than perfect.
Whether Zuckerberg’s Android use was the driving factor or not, Facebook has indeed launched a new update for its Android app. A Facebook spokesperson shared some of the notable features of the update:
– An updated homescreen with:
* The ability to post a status update or search for friends with just one click
* A new photo reel that enables easy viewing of photos and videos from friends in your News Feed
* A draggable Notifications drawer where you can easily see if a friend posted a note on your wall, commented or liked a post or tagged you in a photo
– Video playback from the app. Similar to the Facebook for iPhone application, we are using the H.264 baseline profile for encoding videos
– Support for Events. You can now review your upcoming events, read your event details, and even RSVP – all from the application
– Respond to friend requests without leaving the application
"Facebook Mobile is always looking to bring new and innovative ways for people to stay up-to-date and connected with their friends and family," the spokesperson says. "The latest version of the Facebook for Android application was updated to include popular features, as well as new ways to browse and explore multimedia content."
"People who have already installed the Facebook for Android application on their device will be prompted that an update is now available for download," she adds. "Any Android device owner can download and install the latest version from the Android Market as well."
On another Facebook-related note, Mashable reports that the company has captured the domain Facebook.me from a United Arab Emirates-based squatter, but it is unknown if the domain will be used for a new product or a simple redirect. Right now, it’s just a redirect.