Facebook

Facebook had their application ready for release before the iPhone 3G debuted, and after just one update it looks like they really got it right.

It opens with a view of all the status updates your friends are making, and you can easily click their block to view their instant profile. Profiles include the normal setup, with an image, their name and status, and then the Information drop-down that typically contains their personal information, companies and school. The Mini-Feed is easily accessible, and there is even a 'poke' button at the very bottom, allowing the nefarious Poke function to become even closer to a tangible reality. Something I found particularly great is that if they have their number posted, you can simply click the bubble and you begin a phone call. If you want to view their pictures, just tap on the main image, and it will bring you to a slideshow of their profile pictures, with more tap bringing up the options to leave the slideshow or view all their pictures. I personally encountered some difficulty in viewing all the images, and once even managed to freeze my iPhone entirely.

When the Chat function is selected, it automatically brings up a list of your available/ idle friends, and a chat is just a tap away. The Inbox is similar, involving a simple selection of a prior conversation or the creation of a new one.

Essentially, the Facebook application has a slick interface and is solid software, but with the amount of images users post in their albums , it can become difficult to keep the same breakneck speed iPhone users are accustomed to coasting at. A con worth really noticing is that users cannot view the Wall, and can not leave comments. The wall and photo albums are available for viewing with the latest update! I’m pleased to say that for all the troubles we had for the first release, this update has redeemed them and then some.

This application is compact, to-the-point, and definitely worth getting if you use Facebook at all.