Facebook Lite comes to Canada and other developed countries

Facebook recently brought its data-friendly app to markets where solid wireless networks already exist. Facebook Lite was first introduced in 2015 in territories where wireless carriers didn’t provide reliable or fast network connectivity. And that’s mainly the reason why Facebook decided to launch it even in developed countries. In a statement sent to Reuters, Facebook says that even in developed countries like Canada, there are some smartphone owners that experience lower connectivity in their areas. Some of the other countries that get access to the lite version of Facebook include the US, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Ireland, and New Zealand.

Facebook Lite’s file size is less than 1MB, making it easier to download even when using a slow mobile connection. But the app itself still has the main Facebook features like News Feed, status updates, photos, notifications, and other options.

Source: Android Authority

BlackBerry accuses Facebook of infringement over its messaging patents

CNN

BlackBerry has filed a lawsuit in California against Facebook and its subsidiaries WhatsApp and Instagram for what it says is infringement of its messaging patents. The company says the social media company has “co-opted” its patented innovations related to security, user interface, and battery life. But Facebook brushes off the suit claiming it’s just a desperate move from the beleaguered company. "Blackberry's suit sadly reflects the current state of its messaging business," Paul Grewal, Facebook's deputy general counsel, said in a statement. "Having abandoned its efforts to innovate, BlackBerry is now looking to tax the innovation of others. We intend to fight."

The patents cited in the lawsuit describe the key elements of modern day messaging including those that deal with notifications for the total number of unread messages, photo tagging, and messaging time stamps. It hasn’t been cited how much BlackBerry is asking in terms of damages. But it seems seeking money from the patents isn’t the only motivation, the company seems to want to partner with Facebook. "As a cybersecurity and embedded software leader, BlackBerry's view is that Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp could make great partners in our drive toward a securely connected future," BlackBerry’s spokesperson said in the statement. "We continue to hold this door open to them."

Source: CNN

Ford Mustang fans can now personalize badges, shirts and grille badges using Facebook

Since its introduction more than 50 years ago, Ford Mustang has given enthusiasts the opportunity to personalize their ride in ways no other vehicle could offer. Whether it’s the mighty Boss 302 or the 1968 Pony edition, powerful V8s and racing stripes, trick shifters, custom wheels and more – personalization has always been big for Mustang fans.

Now, in celebration of the 2018 model – which offers more personalization than ever before – fans can create and share Mustang art through the Personalize Your Pony experience on Facebook. The experience allows fans to create personalized pony art right on their Facebook pages, then use their designs to order prints, clothing and even a limited-edition grille badge for their late-model Mustang.

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Google’s AR product director joins Facebook

While Google and Facebook are still trying to define what augmented reality means for their platform, it’s as TechCrunch points out important to have the key talent to help develop this area. And so the social network found it best to recruit Google’s own director of Product for AR to join its team. Nikhil Chandhok will now be in charge of product management of Facebook’s Camera team that’s working on AR. Chandhok has worked on Google’s ARCore smartphone platform as well as the Daydream VR platform. He also previously co-founded AI startup Bento Labs.