1 billion users try to keep up with app updates, Facebook timeline changes, and new Instagram web profiles
Facebook Timeline is undergoing a serious makeover. That’s right folks—Zuckerberg and his team of aficionados are at it again. Despite the grunts from users, Facebook continues to implement new designs and features. Get ready for Facebook’s new Timeline, new app features, and brand-spanking-new Instagram web profiles. Some updates are exciting solutions to bad design choices, while others seem improperly justified.
Timeline’s improved look was released to a small group of users earlier this week. The consensus is mixed: designers appreciate a clean, one-column profile, while users all painfully groan—if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The new timeline will be feature a 60/40 column split. The first, larger column will be designated for posts, while the second will feature modules—apps, friends, and likes. With a mobile iOS update to match, Facebook users across the globe are dealing with new (and lost) features. As far as we can tell, Facebook has a renowned tendency to dish out creative solutions that don’t always work.
The iOS update has eliminated landscape view. The new design is true to Apple’s famous trackpad: swiping left anywhere within app now shows friends available for chat. iOS 5.1 will also feature multi-photo uploading and gift giving. From your iPhone, you can now see which users are active, which helps to estimate response times. The Facebook Gifts module has partnered with Giftivo to suggest smart present ideas for people on your friend list.
On top of all this newness, Instagram (Facebook owned) will now feature web profiles. The photo-sharing service was previously used as a mobile-only application. Businesses can now promote actual posts, a service that is substantially altering the newsfeed. Visit trueITpros.com to keep up with news, trends, and releases for all your social media and networking know-how.