Facebook gets major update on Windows Phone platform

Facebook is bringing more features to its app on the Windows Phone platform so you can get more or less the same experience as those on other operating systems. The app will supposedly offer a faster, more refined user experience. Aside from a new look, it also gets additional language support as well as support integration of the standalone Facebook Messenger app. The Windows Phone version of Facebook connects directly to People Hub for those running Windows Phone 8.1. And you can directly upload videos taken from your device straight through the app.

Source: Ubergizmo

Facebook shutters Gifts service on its site

Facebook used to allow you to send gifts or digital gift cards to your friends on the social networking site. Now, this option is being taken away from you. Facebook is shutting down the service by August 12 as part of a move to help businesses and developers drive their own sales rather than turning Facebook into an online store of sorts. Or we’d like to think no one is really using the service anymore so it makes no sense that they keep it running. 

Source: Gizmodo

Facebook to require you to download Messenger for mobile chats

In the coming days, you will no longer be able to chat using the main Facebook app. Facebook is asking you to spare more space on your smartphones and tablets for its Messenger app.  The company claims using Messenger would be a faster experience for mobile users. They said that people reply about 20 percent faster when using a separate app. The Messenger app also lets you make free calls over Wi-Fi, whether domestic or international calls. If you’re still not too keen to download another app for Facebook use, you can still access your messages on the Web browser. But if that’s fine with you and you still don’t have Messenger, it is available on Android, iOS, and Windows Phone.

Source: iDownloadBlog

The friendship bracelet gets an update with Facebook

Lollapalooza isn’t the only one bringing tech into its music festival. Belgium’s Tomorrowland festival is turning its festival wristband into a modern day equivalent to a Facebook friendship bracelet. Festival goers will receive the wristband in the mail and will be invited to register online and link their Facebook accounts. This will let them make connections with people they meet at Tomorrowland. They can make connections by simply pressing a heart button on the wristband at the same time. Those connections will be included in an email that will let them pick who they want to add or not.

Source: The Verge