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RIM introduces Facebook for Blackberry Smartphones

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welcome_3.gifResearch In Motion (RIM) today launched Facebook for BlackBerry Smartphones, a new software application that enables fast, streamlined and optimized mobile access to the popular social utility. The application leverages the push-based BlackBerry system architecture and Facebook Platform to create an unparalleled mobile experience for Facebook users.

With the Facebook for BlackBerry Smartphones application, users can wirelessly send and view messages, photos, pokes and Wall posts. The application goes beyond browser-based access, automatically pushing notifications to the user’s BlackBerry smartphone as friends and colleagues send notes, Wall posts or pokes. The application allows users to take a photo, upload it to the site with captions and tags; quickly and easily invite friends; manage events; manage photo albums; and manage their status while on the go.

Facebook for BlackBerry Smartphones, is available as free download, makes it faster, easier and more convenient for users to stay wirelessly connected with their Facebook friends and colleagues. T-Mobile USA has been selected to be the first carrier to provide the new software application to its customers.

Originally posted on October 24, 2007 @ 3:53 pm

Another $500 million for Facebook?

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welcome_3.gifSo yesterday, Facebook got Microsoft to invest $240 million in exchange for 1.6 percent equity stake. The amount placed Facebook’s valuation at $15 billion and made Mark Zuckerberg a $3 billion guy in paper. The story is not over though. Forbes is saying that two hedge funds from New York are bringing in another $500 million.

Originally posted on October 25, 2007 @ 1:59 pm

Microsoft nabs Facebook?

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CNET is reporting that Microsoft “appears to have won a battle with Google over who would get a stake in Facebook.” Here’s more coverage from the web:

Valleywag, Webware.com, Between the Lines, Tech Trader Daily, Scobleizer, Mashable!, ParisLemon, WebProNews, Good Morning Silicon Valley, Valleywag, Epicenter, Inside Facebook, Download Squad, Todd Bishop’s Microsoft Blog, Read/WriteWeb, The Social Web, Between the Lines, HipMojo.com, Webware.com, Andy Beal’s Marketing Pilgrim, Deal Journal, RADAR, Seeking Alpha Internet stocks, Microsoft News Tracker, All Facebook, Screenwerk, Search Engine Land, MediaBytes with Shelly …, paidContent.org, John Battelle’s Searchblog and ParisLemon

Originally posted on October 24, 2007 @ 4:13 pm

Facebook founder believes social networking is not a passing fad

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901amDespite the increasing popularity of social networking sites nowadays, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg believes it will take decades before the inherent advantages of social networking will be very clear to the general online users. Guardian Unlimited has captured the gist of Zuckerberg’s speech at the Web 2.0 Summit in San Francisco.

We’re talking about the set of connections that everyone has in real life. All we’re trying to do is take those connections and map it out. Once we have an accurate model, we can help people to share their information more effectively. But it’s going to take 30 years – or at least tens of years – before this becomes a really mature platform.

But why should we believe the forecast of this 23-year old founder? For one, he is the most influential person in the tech industry today, outranking big shots like Apple’s Steve Jobs and Google CEO Eric Schmidt.

Originally posted on October 19, 2007 @ 4:14 am

Facebook to overhaul safety procedures

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901am Part of its initiatives to protect its 47 million users from online harassment and sex predators, popular social networking siteFacebook has reached an agreement with New York attorney general Andrew Cuomo to revamp its safety procedures.

Connected with this new agreement is the improved complaint process wherein Facebook must respond to all complaints related to pornography, nudity, or harassment within 24 hours and update the complainants within 72 hours.

Moreover, an Independent Safety and Security Examiner will oversee for 2 years if the social networking site complies with the agreement.

“I applaud Facebook for addressing my office’s concerns about the site’s representation that they provided a safe environment and an expeditious complaint review process. I believe our agreement will provide additional confidence to young people and parents alike and give Facebook a competitive advantage in the marketplace for setting a new standard for safety,” said Cuomo in a news release.

Originally posted on October 17, 2007 @ 8:00 am