Facebook excludes sad moments from ‘Year in Review’ photosets

Facebook messed up its “Year in Review” slideshow programming in 2014. A number of photosets didn’t only use images that dredged up painful memories, they also ended with “It’s been a great year” regardless of their content. It looks like the social network has taken great care not to repeat the same gaffe, though, since 2015’s version can automatically block out certain pictures. According to Techcrunch, it uses the same filters as Facebook’s Timehop clone On This Day. A spokesperson said: “We won’t show you photos where memorialized accounts or exes are tagged, or photos with people you’ve blocked or added to your On This Day preferences.”

In addition, Facebook has added an option that allows you to edit the photos you want to see. You can replace anything in the set and add pictures the social network chose to exclude, in case you have zero issues seeing exes or deceased loved ones in there. If the filters work as intended, the social network won’t have to issue another apology this year and can even say that it remained true to its word to do better next time.

Source: TechCrunch, Facebook

Facebook’s Instant Articles arrive on Android

Android users can now access Facebook’s Instant Articles service, which offers thousands of fast-loading stories a day to millions of readers around the world.

Up until recently, Instant Articles were only accessible on iOS, but this latest change means the content, which is hosted on Facebook’s own servers, is available for everybody to take a look at.

Even though the social media giant is hosting the content itself, a cut of Facebook’s revenue will be offered to publishers. Publishers currently signed up to Facebook’s Instant Articles service include the New York Times, MTV, the Guardian, Al Jazeera and NBC News.

Speaking about the news, Product Manager Michael Reckhow said:

“More than 350 publications around the world have already joined the Instant Articles program to date, and more than 100 are already publishing daily — with more joining each day.

We’re thrilled to collaborate with our partners in each of these regions, and we will continue to advance the product based on their feedback.”

This latest move from Facebook is bound to please folk in developing countries, where internet speeds are lacking. Users have reported ‘virtually no delay’ between tapping on an Instant Article and having the post load up on their smartphone.

Around two months after Instant Articles arrived on the iPhone, Android owners can finally enjoy a browsing experience ’10 times faster’ than standard links on the mobile web.

Source: Facebook

Come comment on this article: Facebook’s Instant Articles arrive on Android

You can now book an Uber using Facebook Messenger

Uber has struck-up a rather unexpected deal with Facebook that enables users of the social networking giant’s Messenger application to order a ride whilst in the midst of a conversation. Whenever an address is sent during a chat, a little Uber logo will materialize in the navigation bar, which, when tapped, will allow users to order a cab from their current location to the one stated in the chat.

To check out this new feature in action see below:

Click here to view the embedded video.

The hail an Uber functionality will only appear on your device once you install the latest Facebook Messenger application. To do so, simply open up Play Store, toggle the hamburger menu by swiping in from the left-hand side of the screen, select ‘My Apps’ and click on Messenger, then tap the update button. Alternatively, you can hit the link below to initiate the download on your handset from the Web.

Source: Uber

Come comment on this article: You can now book an Uber using Facebook Messenger

Facebook brings Uber rides to Messenger

In the near future, you might not have to interrupt that Facebook Messenger chat to hail a ride home. Facebook has announced Transportation on Messenger, which integrates ride-hailing services into its communications app. To no one’s surprise, Uber is the first partner — you can order a ride entirely within Messenger, and you’ll get things like receipts and status updates as conversations. The transport platform is still in testing in certain parts of the US, but other areas and countries are coming soon.

The deal might be crucial to improving the bottom line for both companies. Facebook would get more users (and importantly, their payment info) returning to Messenger, which it’s increasingly turning into a platform between inclusions like games and smart assistants. Meanwhile, Uber would get a leg up in places where messaging and ridesharing already mix. Its main rival in the country, Didi Dache (part of Didi Kuaidi) will get you a lift through WeChat — Uber would have a direct equivalent that worked in many more places around the world.

[Image credit: Diane Bondareff/Invision for Mattel/AP Images]

https://player.vimeo.com/video/149075285?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0

Via: Recode

Source: Facebook

Facebook makes it harder to abuse its ‘real name’ policy

Facebook may not be dropping its “real name” policy in the strictest sense, but it’s definitely taking steps to prevent abuse of that guideline. It’s testing fake name reporting tools that require you to explain why you believe someone is acting shady, whether it’s identity theft or something less sinister. In theory, this prevents hatemongers from easily giving the boot to transgender people, stalking victims and others for whom a name change is practically vital. In short, it won’t be possible to simply hit the report button and walk away.

You’ll have some extra safeguards if you’re ever asked to verify your name, too. The test verification form asks if you’re in a group that’s more likely to face abuse, and will give you an opportunity to provide the specific circumstances that led to the name you’re using. This doesn’t guarantee that Facebook will always make the right call, but it should reduce the possibility that you’ll get kicked off the site before you’ve said a word in your defense.

[Top image credit: AP Photo/Eric Risberg]

Via: Motherboard

Source: Facebook Newsroom

Facebook helps you find highly-rated local businesses

Facebook is putting those business ratings you’ve been entering on its Pages to work. With a new Professional Services portal, the social network lets you search for the highest-rated businesses if your area in a variety of categories. When you need to find a contractor, plumber, doctor, event planner, mechanic or dog groomer (just to name a few), the new Facebook page is ready to help.

By offering this new search tool, Facebook is taking on the likes of Angie’s List, Yelp and others that also compile user ratings and feedback for local businesses and services. Selecting one of the categories will display businesses in order of their rating (out of 5 stars) along with a snippet of a customer review. There’s also a map on the results page, so you can see exactly what part of town each option is located. Under the map, you’re also given a list of nearby cities, in case you can’t find a solid choice where you live.

Additionally, there are more than just the few categories you’re presented with on the main page. Once inside, the search tool can be used to find restaurants, bars and more — not just a range of professional services. And as you might expect, the results list pulls in details from Pages like websites, contact info, hours of operation and more. If you want to give it a shot, the directory is ready to accept your queries.

Via: Search Engine Land, TechCrunch

Source: Facebook