For a while now we have seen Facebook gain on Google in terms of usage statistics, and more recently overtake it as well (in the US atleast). In late 2009, it was named the most popular content sharing site. Yes..Facebook..Not Digg, Reddit or StumbleUpon! FaceBook is having it’s annual developer conference – f8 on 21st April 2010. And as expected there seems to be plenty of action and speculation in the build-up to it.
In keeping with their philosophy of Open Site Governance, the social networking giant has outlined some of its proposed policy changes here.
The name of the game right now is Location, Location, Location, with the likes of Foursquare and Gowalla generating huge amounts of interest. Facebook obviously does not want to be left behind and announced that it has some new exciting ideas in this respect. This feature is likely to focus on ‘place’ as much as ‘Location’.
There was one point that caught the attention of many though. In its bid to provide users many ways to connect over the web – even outside Facebook. It will allow certain pre-approved third party websites access to ‘General Information’ about users. What this means is that you could visit a website be the first time and be shocked to see that it knows things about you that it probably should not. The draft policy states that you may opt out specifically if you choose to do so. But by default everyone will be in (Just like ‘share’ with ‘’Everyone’ was made default)
There was more interesting news that surfaced too.
Facebook is working on what has been dubbed as a Like button for the entire web. Why? Because that is exactly what it is. Sites will be able to add this button anywhere they choose. This feature is expected to create a lot of buzz(no pun intended) when it does come out. I wonder if there will be a ‘DisLike’ too? Probably Not!
Also in the pipeline is a Facebook Toolbar, that third party websites will be able to integrate into their own. Clearly Facebook is looking to become an omnipresent force to be reckoned with on the Internet – possibly taking away a lot more traffic from Google!
Facebook also applied for a trademark related to its virtual currency platform – Facebook Credits which is expected to open new doors in terms of monetization in the future. Presently the platform is used for exchanging virtual gifts over social games. If it does extend to the real world, Facebook could leverage its popularity to dive head on into e commerce which could really change the way people shop online!
Things might become clearer as we move closer to f8 but one thing is for sure. Facebook is on the move and is in no mood to stop!
