After months of speculation and leaks, Facebook has finally officially launched its iPad app now available in the iOS App store. The app has been designed for optimal use on the tablet with a focus on consumption and easy touch screen navigation. The app has large buttons for effective navigation and also takes advantage of the iPad‘s special features to do things that are not possible through a Web interface. For example, photos now take up the entire screen and users can pinch them to zoom in and out. Navigating through a photo album can be achieved through the swiping feature on the device and users can also take photos or film high definition videos from within the app.
The App includes a left-hand navigation bar for accessing the News Feed, photos, messages, Groups and settings. As with the website, notifications, chat, status updates, search and other key features are also included. However, the newly announced features, like Timeline, are not included in the iPad app just yet.
There are a number of new features that have been introduced especially for the iPad. Facebook has integrated Airplay into the app which allows users to play and share images and HD videos Apple TV or other Apple devices. Facebook games can also be played in full screen mode and games from EA, Zynga and more will support additional features such as Facebook Credits. Facebook is also making use of location services with Nearby. Nearby shows a map on screen with little icons indicating your friends in the area. Using the ipad functions users can zoom into the map, click on a person’s photo and leave a comment. Users can also check in to their location from within the app.
To download Facebook’s app for iPad click here.
