Facebook will issue an update to its brand-new iOS app Paper. The new version of Paper adds several functions from the main Facebook app, making it a perfect replacement for the big blue app.
Those who have been using Paper since it debuted on Feb. 3, quickly noticed there are a few trademark Facebook functions that are missing from the app. Now that Facebook has had a few months to see how people use Paper, and what they want to see added to the app, it has issued its first meaningful update to the app.
Users can now receive notifications about birthdays and events right in notification bars. The new Paper will also allow users to respond to friends' photos with their own photos, rather than just words. Facebook also added a groups section to Paper, so users can see what's going on with all the groups they are involved in.
In the news sections of the app, Facebook added nine new article covers, so that users can easily spot articles in the news feed from publications that they like. The new additions include, Bloomberg News, Mashable, FT, kottke, Fox News, Popular Science, The Hollywood Reporter, Vanity Fair and Hacker News.
Facebook also said it's working to make Paper faster, more reliable and easier to use, even though it's already very streamlined and fast. Paper will also alert you faster when there are new posts with that familiar white arrow on the left-hand side.
Although Facebook won't say exactly how many people are using Paper every day, it did say that on average, people browse through 80 articles a day on Paper, which is pretty impressive. Many who use Paper say it's the only Facebook app they use. Now that the new functionalities have been added, Paper stands an even better chance of becoming to go-to Facebook app.
It's unknown what Facebook's larger plans are for Paper, but given the fact that the app is still in its infancy, it seems to be working quite well. At any rate, it certainly is very beautiful.
