Facebook For Android Update Better

Facebook has just released a new update for its app for Android, which brings with it some nifty new features for photo taking and messaging alongside the usual bug fixes and performance enhancements.

On the new Facebook for Android app, you’ll be able to take photos of yourself using your smartphone’s front-facing camera as there is now front camera support. To take self-portraits on the go, you need to press the little button that appears on the screen in order to switch between lenses. And of course, you’ll then be able to upload your new snap of yourself to your Facebook profile straightaway.

In addition to the new camera feature are the messaging functions. These include being able to switch between conversations, include friends of friends, see who’s online to chat with, and share bigger photos.

Facebook recently boosted its photo-sharing features by purchasing Face.com, the facial recognition technology company, for a reported $60 million. This new technology is designed to improve the social network site’s photo tagging service, and could mean next time you login and upload a new photo you’ll see suggestions of who to tag, letting you add these in just one click. So it makes sense that the front facing camera and bigger image sharing features are included in the company’s latest update for its Android app.

As well as the new camera and messaging features there are the standard bug fixes, improvements to app performance, and an unnamed security improvement. There is also faster app login and navigation now.

The new Facebook for Android app only runs on Android 2.2 Froyo and above, so you’ll need this version on your mobile phone in order to download this latest update.

Once you’ve grabbed the update, we’d love to hear your thoughts on the new features – so don’t forget to add your comments below.

By Caroline Dalzell