Facebook has updated its iOS app today to brand new version 5.0, which will hopefully address a top concern of users that the app has been clunky and slow. Facebook Inc. launched the app via the iTunes App Store, with few listed improvements, but one major change: the app has been rebuilt from the ground up, so it’s “faster and easier to use.”
With just four bulleted points of change, it seems like a small update, but the underlying restructuring and recoding means the social networking giant can deliver more features down the line. Facebook claims that:
- Scrolling through your newsfeed is faster than ever.
- New banner lets you tap to quickly see more stories – no need to refresh.
- Photos open fast and close with one downward swipe.
- You now have instant access to your notifications.
Upon trying out the app, Facebook looks to be delivering on their promises. Scrolling does indeed seem smoother and easier. The new banner allows for quicker use of the app, as well. The new notifications banner (letting you know of new stories to refresh to) is useful for someone who checks Facebook a lot. Photos are indeed easier to view, and manage via the user interface.
Speaking of the UI, there are slight and subtle enhancements throughout that make little Easter egg treasures of seeing what’s new. My biggest excitement is seeing that all the comments on a photo popped up. I’ve had the worst luck with trying to finagle the app to show me new comments. That issue seems completely gone, and that alone is enough for me to be happy with the update.
The iPhone app can be downloaded for free via iTunes or this link.
An Android update was pushed out too, but without the same “ground up” claims.
Thanks for the news. I wouldn’t have noticed so soon. So far it’s a little better with general loading, but being able to scroll pictures is great!
Now the downsides present themselves: the methods by which I can cut and paste my comment or share your story are not readily available from the mobile app.