Facebook launches rewritten -- and much faster -- iOS app
The social network's new app boasts faster speeds for better photo browsing
Facebook released an updated version of its iOS app, one that it says should be twice as responsive as before.
The new app, which Facebook said it has "rebuilt from the ground up," will open quickly and allow users to scroll through stories smoothly and load photos instantly, the company said in a blog post.
This should mean a better user experience for those who want to use their iPhones and iPads to browse Facebook.
CNET's Sharon Vaknin tweeted that she's definitely seeing an improvement:
Facebook was not kidding -- the new iOS app is much faster. The photo-browsing experience has improved 10x, &the little UI tweaks are slick.
The update, available for download later today, lets users tap once to see updates and photos.
Expect a full review from the CNET team shortly, but it seems to be a sorely needed update for Facebook. The app has been known to be painfully slow -- a kiss of death for most mobile apps.
It's smart for Facebook to be paying attention to its iOS app. Critics often remark on the company's weakness when it comes to its presence on the mobile platform, particularity because Internet companies need ways to make money in the rapidly-growing mobile market.
If the update means a better user experience, that could also mean more eyes on the product and a more attractive platform for advertisers.
The iOS update coincides with a more minor update of its Android app. The Google Play store released a new Facebook app update today, saying users can now easily share events, share photos faster and add photos and cute emoticons to messages.
Update, 11:34 a.m. PT: Updated with more analysis.