trishussey
on
- New mobile apps, including a an iPad app
- Facebook Places check-in deals
- Facebook mobile SDK, app store
- A Facebook phone
I think he's solid on all by the last one. I while a "Facebook Phone" might be an interesting idea for Facebook to try, I think their developers and marketing folks might be better off pushing the first three initiatives. Google tried a phone with the Nexus One and realized that while Android is an awesome phone OS, trying to deal with getting a handset out the door and marketing it, is another matter entirely. Really, why would you want to get into the morass of trying to make deal with all the telcos around the world to get the phone to them and go up against the iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows Phone 7 phones, and Android phones? Just seems like a great way to lose money to me.
An iPad app, on the other hand (as well as a tablet-optimized version for the Galaxy Tab), is a good idea. I use Facebook through Safari on my iPad and while it's okay, the interface limitations and design gaps get in the way. The iPad app ties right into a mobile SDK and app store…more people on hitting Facebook on mobile devices. More apps on my iPhone and iPad want me to share stuff to Facebook, so having a solid SDK would be good move.
Now Facebook Places, yeah I think I've checked in only a couple of times and that was only to research it for my Foursquare book. I know location is hot, and I know that Foursquare is growing by leaps and bounds, but I think what might be more interesting is Facebook Places check-in deals powered by Foursquare (or Gowalla or Yelp). If Facebook gave their blessing to one service as the "check-in deals provider" that service would not only have explosive user growth, but explosive increase in value. As I think about it, maybe a Facebook Places announcement might be that they've acquired one of the check-in services. Facebook did just scoop up drop.io so Facebook saying that they've grabbed Foursquare or Gowalla and that new engine will power a Facebook Places Deals tool…you never know.
Only four more sleeps to find out…
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