Category Archives: Facebook Updates

by by Majestic Media

Facebook Alters Appearance Of Permalink Pages

Facebook has updated the permalink page for individual posts.  The new look will mirror the style of the new Timeline format.  The appearance of permalink pages use to be displayed on a white background however this look did not mesh with the new Timeline format.  Permalink pages will now appear on a lite blue background.

All posts on Facebook have a unique URL that simply shows your post/content by itself. The way you can access this permalink is by clicking on the time-stamp (of when you created the post).  That will then take you to the permalink page.

The most notable change to permalink pages is the addition of a large and prominently displayed “like” button and “subscribe” button.  This could lead to far more likes for brands as users who have no association to the brand page will be able to see their posts if a friend has liked or commented on them.  With the option to subscribe and like this is a significant improvement for brands looking to leverage the new Timeline format.

by by Majestic Media

Facebook Launches New APIs To Ease Transition To Timeline


Facebook announced that they have launched new APIs  to support some of the new features associated with the Timeline format for pages.

The new APIs will manage:

  • Messages
  • Milestones  
  • About section 
  • Apps 
  • and Posts.

By implementing these APIs, it will allow page management applications to successfully manage these various features.

One of the key APIs is the messages.  This API will allow brands  to incorporate messages in to a page management tool meaning that, in theory, they could assign messages as tickets to specific individuals as opposed to having their page manager respond to all incoming messages without the ability to escalate.

With these new APIs, brands will also be able to have 3rd party apps manage milestones, page posts, upload cover photos and change tab app icons.  For more information check out the Facebook Developers Blog.

If you still haven’t updated your brands page to the Timeline format take a look at Majestic Media’s guide to the Timeline

by by Majestic Media

Facebook Introduces Interests


Facebook has introduced a new feature: Interests.  This will allow users to group pages and public figures in to an interest list.  By doing this users will be able to filter the Newsfeed by a selected topic.   Users will be able to create their own lists or to subscribe to friends lists.

Although users have been able to organize friends in lists for a long time, this is the first time that they will be able to organize pages.   After a user adds an interest, the most relevantstories from that topic will be displayed at the top of their Newsfeed with a link to read more posts.

This new feature may be able to improve a brand’s exposure.  With the ability to subscribe to a friends interest list it, in theory could mean that brands will reach a wider audience.  It would also mean that users could be exposed to brand’s posts without having to like or subscribe to the page.

by by Majestic Media

Facebook Implements New Photo Viewer


Facebook has released a new photo viewer.  The new format takes advantage of the fact that on a desktop, there is more horizontal room than vertical, displaying all comments to the right of the picture instead of below.  This allow users to finally take advantage of the full 960×960 format for their photos.

The new format will also have an added benefit for marketers when a user is viewing the picture, to the right of the photo, ads will be displayed.  As of right now if there are no comments on the photo two ads are appearing.  The ads are prominently displayed and naturally draw focus, this could be another effective tool for marketers, although it is expected there will be a public backlash from users over Facebook adding even more ad space to the site.

by by Majestic Media

New Version of Skype to Integrate Facebook to Facebook Calling


Microsoft has released Skype 5.8 the latest version of it’s video calling service.  Skype  had previously powered Facebook’s video calling feature.  However, the new version will support  Facebook to Facebook calling.  This is currently available for the windows o/s  and the mac version is set to be released shortly.

The new feature allows Skype users to check  Facebook News Feeds, instant messages, and video call their Facebook friends from within Skype. If your Facebook friends are not Skype users they will still be able to receive Skype messages or calls while on Facebook.

Some other key features added to the new version are :

  • Full HD video-calling
  • Support for Facebook audio and video-calling (beta)
  • Group screen sharing
  • Hide offline Facebook contacts
  • Push to Talk
  • Skype updater service
  • Bing Bar integration