Facebook for iPhone 3.5 revamp brings simplified social sharing

Facebook issued the latest version of its mobile social networking application for Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone, highlighted by more efficient sharing tools. Facebook for iOS 3.5 enables users to tag friends and places in posts and share external links from a web view--the update also brings a new design for Profile and Group Walls, and adds privacy controls that match the user's website settings.

Facebook for iOS 3.5 enables users to tag friends and places in posts.

Facebook for iPhone 3.5 also touts a series of improvements including enhanced Notifications speed as well as multiple performance and stability boosts. The app additionally fixes a number of bugs impacting the Chat and Photos features.

Facebook for iPhone 3.5 does not bring the company's long-awaited version optimized for Apple's iPad tablet. In fact, 9to5Mac reports that the latest update removes code buried in the previous Facebook for iPhone 3.4.4 that reportedly included a fully executable version of the native, HTML5-based iPad app, usable only on jailbroken iPad units. That version included a left-side menu system, popover menus, News Feed, Places integration and other features. A TechCrunch source confirmed that the edition of Facebook for iPad discovered in the iPhone app code is the same version the company plans to formally launch sometime in the near future.

In mid-June, The New York Times reported Facebook for iPad has been in production for more than a year, evolving through a series of design iterations. People who have seen the app say its user experience is tailored for the iPad's touchscreen interface, with revamped Facebook Chat and Facebook Groups features. Facebook also will unveil new full-screen photo and video-sharing tools. Sources indicate that Facebook also plans to retool its mobile website to accommodate the iPad form factor--one person said the site is not intended to compete with Facebook's iPhone and iPad apps, but it will "supplement these experiences."

Earlier this summer, TechCrunch reported Facebook is developing an HTML5-based mobile platform optimized for Apple's iPhone and iPad but designed to circumvent the App Store distribution channel, giving Facebook far greater control over the user experience. Sources also indicate the company will unveil a new social-themed music service during its f8 developer conference, kicking off Sept. 22 in San Francisco.

For more:
- read this 9to5Mac article

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