Facebook dumped last year’s redesign due to small screens

You have netbook users and other small-screened PC users to blame if you’ve been waiting for the picture-heavy version of Facebook’s News Feed. The social network dumped the idea because the layout didn’t look right on netbooks and other PCS with smaller screens. Facebook had to give up the possible revenue this new feature could offer because it meant they could please hundreds and millions of users who use the site on those devices.

Source: Engadget

Facebook Messenger introduces groups and message forwarding to iOS

Facebook has released a new update for its iOS app that allows you to group contacts and send messages to them en masse. The update is perfect for organizing meetups or even just spamming your favorite people. Users can now also forward messages and photos to other people who aren’t included in your conversation. Of course, you can expect the usual stability fixes and speed improvements.

Source: Engadget

Facebook purchases Oculus Rift for $2 billion

Facebook is looking to venture into virtual reality with its latest acquisition—and they aren’t afraid to spend big. Kotaku has just reported that Facebook is buying Oculus Rift for US$2 billion. The deal is expected to be finalized in the second quarter of the year and will be made up of $400 million cash payout and the rest as Facebook shares.

"Mobile is the platform of today, and now we're also getting ready for the platforms of tomorrow," Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg says. "Oculus has the chance to create the most social platform ever, and change the way we work, play and communicate."

Brendan Iribe, co-founder and CEO of Oculus VR says in a PR release. "We believe virtual reality will be heavily defined by social experiences that connect people in magical, new ways. It is a transformative and disruptive technology, that enables the world to experience the impossible, and it's only just the beginning."

Facebook launches beta program for Messenger

Facebook wants to ensure bugs are immediately dealt with and needs your help to do so. Facebook plans to release a “small batch of fixes and new features every month.” Beta testers just need to send a bug report when you come across any issues. You can check out more information on the program and how to join on the official blog post.

Source: Android Police