Apps, Social Media

Facebook’s Newest Updates

13 Feb , 2017  

Apps are constantly changing and updating, and Facebook is no different. 2017 has already been a big year for Facebook updates. Check out some of my faves below!

Facebook Community Help- Natural disasters and tragedies are scary and can happen at any time. Facebook has been a huge help with its Safety Check feature that allows individuals in the effected areas to let their friends and loved ones know that they are safe. But, what if their friends want to lend a helping hand to those in need? Now they can! With the new Community Help feature users can volunteer help, offering up everything from housing and transportation to pet supplies and water. The feature connects those in need with a corresponding volunteer. It even shows if the match has any friends in common so you can feel safer if you are helping or being helped by a stranger online.

Facebook Weather– Not every new feature is as life-changing as Community Help. On a lighter note, Facebook can now tell you the weather! While it may not be the most exciting new update, it can be very helpful to know if it is going to be raining or if you should pack your sunglasses. And since so many of us check Facebook first thing in the AM, I love this feature! Currently, it only works for iPhone users and you need to share your location data with Facebook (chances are you already have.) If you want more weather details, you can check the weather forecast for the week from the menu in the lower right. Now when you check Facebook in the morning, you also get the weather!

Facebook Lite– Facebook took the saying “new year, new you” to heart and released “Facebook Lite” early this January. Facebook Lite is a separate app that has all the features of the original app but is slimmed down, using less storage space, battery and data when in use. The app not only includes all the old features but even includes messenger! This app is great for those who spend time in areas were Wi-Fi connection is weak or non-existent like camping or that one weird spot in the office.  Originally intended for use in developing countries, the app was designed to run on 2G phones so everyone can stay connected wherever they are. As of this week, a lofty 200 million people have given the app a try. For now, the app is only available for Android, and an iPhone counterpart will hopefully be arriving sometime in the future.

It is nice to see that Facebook keeps adding new features and trying to make everyone’s life a little bit easier. I can’t wait to see what it adds next!

 

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