Facebook’s Need For Speed-y Action

“We’ve rebuilt the app so it’s faster and easier to use.” With this latest statement issued at the iTunes store, Facebook has gained several points with its mobile users.

When in Rome…Facebook may have understood the need but seemed to have avoided the eventual: which was to go native on the iOS. Finally, they recently hauled their mobile app on iPhone and iPad by switching from the web-friendly HTML5 to i-friendly Objective C. The 5.0 version update contains more than double the speed than its predecessor.

We can only guess the reason for delay. Could be because HTML5 allows direct access to content and updates, whereas using Objective C means rerouting through the app store. By the time the app opened to Newsfeed, it would be time for the user on the go (Facebook needs to be reminded of this), to get on with whatever is on their busy agenda. Another reason could be HTML5’s cross-platform compatibility.

This delay proved costly as users deleted the app because of its snail-paced speed. Goes to show the company needs to speed up its decision-making and action process too. But what they have made it clear that mobile is the way to go. And hopefully they’re reading up on feedback too.

Users do understand the trouble that goes into making technological changes. One little feedback among a torrent of spam can prove to be most useful for companies like Facebook, who attempt to balance their monetary success, which is not happening as well as expected, but also to fulfill user demands that are just as fast paced.

So time is most crucial here, because of the growing competition among social networks like Foursquare that are completely mobile. And no sooner have they improved on speed come a another hail of comments about how they need to work on other features such as sharing and to pay equal attention to other mobile devices such as Android and Blackberry.

On the other hand there are Facebook developers who have to contend with the changes too. They have been content since the introduction of Facebook App Center on iPhone, because that meant they did not have to make create two separate apps for the web plus iOS. It may be that they would have to do a little more learning. Right now Facebook apps on require a blend of PHP and HTML5, but it’s likely that it will soon become mandatory for all programming languages to be device-specific. It’s now a question of how cross platform compatibility will be possible when and if the change does happen.

Salman Ghaznavi Originally Found this on Avenuesocial

Salman Ghaznavi is the founder of Avenuesocial Inc. a company focused on social media marketing and tool design & development. Avenuesocial is one of the premium Facebook App Consultants, and My role is to actively pursue a global strategy, create and help roll-out Avenuesocial social tool, the AS Pathways. The AS Pathways tool offers social media marketing and analytics with integrated campaign management (on Facebook and Twitter), multi-channel execution, engagement reports and user management.

Video Games Turn Serious Business into Fun Activity

It is common knowledge that video games are very popular in the entertainment industry for the obvious reason that they are entertaining. In the past few years, marketing professionals took up the gaming industry and changed its course by monetizing through game application on social media. They are used for advertising and marketing campaigns with a high success rate, a new way to understand their consumers through social tags such as ‘share,’ ‘like’ and ‘comments.’ Different methods are applied by companies to use games to their advantage. Running a contest is a very powerful marketing tool. Game designs may either be classic or offer reward incentives in the form of challenges. Third- party Facebook developers are usually hired for the purpose as they not only use creative design elements but cover all ground of social gamification. But there are some other unusual ways where it has been incorporated into professional programs and interestingly, entertainment is not the sole purpose.

For social services

Players have been actively involved in donating to charitable causes through online games. ‘WeTopia’ is a city-building game application. Reviews have mostly been more favorable towards the purpose more than the user experience, which is rated ‘average.’ Actions in the game result in some form of donation to improve children’s lives in poverty stricken areas within the US and other countries.

For the medical profession

A few years ago, the Associated Press reported on a research study by the Iowa State University of how video games can improve surgeons’ performances during surgical procedures. The four month study required these surgeons to play video games involving hand and eye coordination, a skill necessary for surgeons. It was proven that surgeons who spend three hours of video gaming on a weekly basis tend to perform ‘faster’ tasks and make ‘fewer mistakes.’ Although this specifically referred to laparoscopic surgery, which requires finger dexterity, another research center has implemented video game as part of general surgical training.

For military training

Texas’ Times Record News reported on an ongoing experiment at Sheppard Air Force Base to prove that video games positively impact military officers. If the hypothesis proves true, then video games will become part of military training. But not just any games. The genre will be selective to games that require brainwork, such as the puzzle and logic genre similar to those used in the study. The reason is that such games improve cognitive adaptability to situations, an essential trait that proves useful during wartime.

This trend has been picked by numerous other professions as well. Consequently, social media is spurred into becoming more active in creating game apps to help make the world not just more connected, but contribute to social and scientific development.

Salman Ghaznavi Originally Found this on Avenuesocial

Salman Ghaznavi is the founder of Avenuesocial Inc. a company focused on social media marketing and tool design & development. Avenuesocial is one of the premium Facebook App Consultants, and My role is to actively pursue a global strategy, create and help roll-out Avenuesocial social tool, the AS Pathways. The AS Pathways tool offers social media marketing and analytics with integrated campaign management (on Facebook and Twitter), multi-channel execution, engagement reports and user management.

8 Great Reasons For Considering iOS6 for your iPhone

For the typical user, updates may seem just a routine thing to do in technology. They barely give thought beyond the UI to the expansive work that goes on by manufacturers and mobile application developers.Its only when there’s a major overhaul in user experience or software innovation will they pay attention. The rest of the time, the excitement is mainly shared by those that make the difference. Every little tap and click on the device sets forth an operation that resembles factory mechanisms, except that they are intangible such as mobile apps.

Apple recently announced beta 4 release for iOS 6 version available for developers to test iPhone applications. The main points have been extracted from their press release.

1. iOS6 can be tested through the iOS Simulator
2. To check for content accessibility an app can check it through the authorization status API
3. Warning to not follow proper instructions on installation could render the mobile as unusable.
4. Once upgraded the device cannot return to its former version.

Now for some more interesting changes to look forward to:

1. Siri, iPhone’s digital assistant can install apps.
2. Facebook is integrated as a built in application to fulfill all the social needs.
3. FaceTime now has a cellular connection where the call receiving option is also available on the iPad and Mac.
4. ‘App Banner’ is a feature that advertises native apps which users can easily view, click and download.
5. iCloud allows easy sharing of photos
6. Additional apps are an attractive bonus. Such as Passbook for loyalty cards management.
7. Apple is introducing its own mapping app, Maps which features various services
8. Bluetooth sharing is another exciting feature for users who prefer to share data with those in close proximity.

In short, reviews have been extremely positive and worth the upgrade. The iOS6 is expected to be released this fall.

Salman Ghaznavi Found this Original Post on SocialJitney.Com

Superb Smartphones Need Superb Apps

They are all into it–Rolex, Prada, Cartier, Chanel, Armani, Louis Vuitton — not with their latest summer wear, but showstopper designer mobile phones. To look at them, you would think these designers have become tech savvy. But while their exteriors are par excellence, yet most don’t have classy tech specs to match. Spending an exorbitant amount only to have a regular user experience and outdated OS is certainly not value for money. They would do far better if they invest as much in ‘rich’ mobile applications, because isn’t that what brands are about–quality– inside and out? Anyway, looks matter and so they are selling like hot cakes.

Chairman by Ulysse Nardin

For those who think Google’s Android is charitably priced for the masses, then they are unaware that they have also donned the title of Guinness World Records as the ‘most expensive mobile phone.’ The diamond-encrusted hybrid device bears the label of the renowned Swiss watch manufacturers, Ulysse Nardin. The brilliant handcraft blends superbly with high tech. It comprises the OS Gingerbread and sophisticated Android applications that fit right in the midst of such luxury. Price starts from USD 14,000 up to 130,000. All you have to do is sell everything you own and more. But you may be too late because its limited edition will sell out even before it hits the shelves of some 20 select countries.

TAG HEUER  Racer

This Android smartphone has been inspired by and is built of the same materials as its sponsor, the race car Formula 1. It has 3D UI and 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich for its OS. The product will be available in the market this month on for the curious, including app developers who will race to see how fast applications will run on this super smartphone.

Lamborghini TL700

Another recently launched device modeled after the luxury car, it sports Android OS Gingerbread. They have received more than too many disappointing reviews with regards to their specs.

Originally Posted By SocialJitney.Com

Olympics on Facebook

We can either be impressed with the offer, or consider them unremarkable for attempts at creating fanfare for the king of all sports events: the Olympics.

Olympics Games City

To begin with, the latest game launched is dedicated to the ongoing Olympics and the various sports that can be played online as Facebook applications. The game mechanics bear strong resemblance to Sims City and other city building games on Facebook. The game play has not received any favorable reviews and since it’s theme-based, it is predicted to be short-lived once the fervor dies out. Most reviewers recommend the game to be played with friends, which allows for faster and more challenging advanced levels. But that also means paying for the game. All in all, the idea is worth it in trying to capture the spirit that makes the game somewhat worth a short while.

NBC/Facebook

But is the next idea any better?  For several reasons, yes. Facebook collaborated with NBC channel earlier this month to provide full, live coverage of the Olympics. NBCs hopes are pinned to the 900 plus users, encouraged after watching CNN’s application running successfully over the up and coming election. And pinned they were, but largely containing angry protests by viewers against tape delay. That has apparently not affected their ratings, which were revealed as ‘record high’ in the US, amounting to over 14 per cent more than the previous Olympics.

Other ‘Olympic tools’ that prove useful are ‘2012 Olympics Hub’ and a Fan page created especially for interaction and finding information on everything Olympic.

Originally Posted By Avenuesocial.Com