Facebook started rolling out its new Facebook Camera app for iOS, called simply "Facebook Camera," to English-speaking countries. Facebook camera is a standalone camera app enabling users to capture, filter, and share photos, either in singles or in sets, and scroll through a photos feed one's friends have uploaded on Facebook.
Facebook has also recently acquired Instagram, but as that deal has not closed yet, Facebook Camera was developed by the company's photos team without the help of Instagram. The new app is designed to allow faster and easier publishing than Facebook's primary mobile app.
Features
Facebook Camera allows users to select one or more photos, filter them, tag friends and locations, add descriptions, and post. The design of the app may not be as smooth as Instagram's, and the photos may be of lower quality compared to Instagram pics, but the new apps 14 filters, batch upload capability and streamlined interface are nonetheless a step forward for Facebook for iOS.
Facebook Camera will initially launch only for iOS in English-speaking countries, but Facebook is reportedly working on getting it translated for an international rollout over the next few weeks. According to TechCrunch, Facebook is also considering "what might make for a good Facebook photos experience across other platforms," so versions for Android, BlackBerry and Windows Phone may not be out of the question.
In an effort to boost its mobile business, Facebook now offers three mobile apps to its consumers: Facebook Messenger, its primary app, and now Facebook Camera. Page admins also have a Facebook Pages Manager app.
Home Screen
Facebook Camera's home screen features a camera button for capturing new photos, and provides quick access to the last images for instant uploading. By default, users will see a feed similar to Facebook's news feed, which allows one to see their friends' activity, but this will only feature photo posts. Another option allows you to view a feed consisting only of photos you've posted or been tagged in. The feeds have real time update, and the browsing experience is fairly smooth. Browsing, however, is only possible in portrait mode, making standard photos appear square, with their margins cut off. To view photos in full, users have to click them or turn their device.
Compatibility
Facebook has over 500 million mobile users, about 220 million of which use iOS and Android. The social network's user base is steadily shifting towards mobile, making such apps essential to keeping users engaged. The standalone camera app is not perfect, but it does have its benefits, such as faster uploading and the option to upload a batch of photos at once from your phone. Facebook Camera is available in Apple's iTunes Store, and does not come as a replacement for Instagram. It is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, fourth-generation iPod touch, iPad 2 Wi-Fi, iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G, third-generation iPad, and iPad Wi-Fi + 4G (now rebranded Wi-Fi + Cellular), and requires iOS 4.3 or later.
