Facebook has released a new version of their iPhone app today that features an all-new button design, as well as free calling to anyone in the U.S. or Canada integrated right into the main app.
According to the update:
New button design makes it easy to like, comment and share posts in News Feed.
- Improved buttons to like, comment, and share posts
- Share button to re-post stories from your News Feed now available in all languages
- Call friends for free right from Facebook (US and Canada)
Be sure to note that when calling someone, you will be using your data plan, so take note of your allotment if you’re not on WiFi.
This is version 5.5 for the Facebook App.
While the updated social signal buttons are nice, it’s the calling feature that should have most people interested. Facebook users can now send each other text messages, voice messages, and voice calls, making it the preferred communication platform for many. In order to accept Facebook calls, you must have the most recent version of the app installed, along with anyone else you wish to call. This feature was previously available through the Facebook Messenger app, but again, all users needed to have the most recent version.
To phone a friend, it’s till a very cumbersome process so Facebook has some work to do if they want to replace standard cell phone service. You need to navigate to your friend’s profile and tap on message, or open an existing conversation, and tap the (i) icon in the upper right. This will open their contact card, and if they are up to date, the Free Call button will be available to you.
Update your app and let me know what you think! Will you try calling some of your friends, or is this a pointless update for you?