Facebook has just launched a rolling update to both its iOS and Android apps that should make mobile pages much more useful to the average user. It also helps Facebook keep more users on their own app, making them less likely to have to open up another app to do simple tasks like making dinner reservations or checking the air times on their favorite TV shows.
“Each month, more than 800 million people access Facebook on a mobile device. And today we’re announcing two updates to mobile Pages launching later this week that will expand the useful features and relevant information Pages provide,” says Facebook.
First up, Facebook is tapping OpenTable for new integration to mobile pages that will allow users to book tables at over 20,000 participating restaurants without ever having to leave the Facebook ecosystem.
Pages for TV shows and movies are also benefitting from the update. Now, they will show upcoming local air times based on users’ current time zone.
“Finding shows and movies on TV is getting easier as well. For people that use iOS, Facebook will display TV listing information on US primetime TV and movie Pages. Listings will be based on your current time zone and include the channel name, air time and a description of the show or movie playing, meaning that the listings that exist in cable box guides, magazines and newspapers are now conveniently located on the Facebook Pages of peoples’ favorite shows,” says Facebook.
These new features should start hitting all eligible mobile pages this week.
Back in April, Facebook launched a significant redesign for mobile pages that gave more real estate to star ratings, user reviews, and other pertinent information that a mobile user might need on the go. Today’s additions are in the same vein – they give users more quick info on the go, making mobile pages more useful to the average user.
Today’s update also brings hashtag support to the app. Facebook first launched hashtags on the web back in June.