Facebook has released a new version of the Facebook app for the Apple iPad. The new app aims to become an entertainment hub for those who are interested in playing Facebook games, and are interested in the hottest videos on the social network.
At the time of writing, over 70 percent of those who use the Facebook mobile app play video games from within the social network in the past 90 days, so it is clear why the company is attempting to keep these players coming back for more and hopes to attract new players.
The new game and video focused entertainment hub will come in the form of a sidebar on the right side of the Facebook app. It will include social notifications for Facebook games both native and on the web, along with video trailers of games that users have yet to play, trending videos and new articles.
This move by Mark Zuckerberg and friends could have a huge impact on developers, as it could provide more users for their gaming related apps, which means increased ad revenues. Facebook also wins if this plan works out, and we've seen no reason why it wouldn't.
Overtime, Facebook plans to place advertisements in the new sidebar to allow game developers to better promote their apps. Game developers who are interested in being part of this new Facebook feature are required to register their iPad and Canvas apps with Facebook, and upload a video detailing what the app is all about in App Center.
"In the latest update to Facebook for iPad in the US, we're testing new ways to help people discover more timely and entertaining content. This update will show content on the right-hand side that's relevant to how people use tablets today, which is primarily to read news, watch videos and play games," writes Facebook in a blog post.
The new app is available right now, but only iPad users within the United States will get a chance to give it a spin. This might have a lot to do with the new feature being in the testing phase, so if everything goes according to plan, the entertainment hub sidebar should find its way to users around the world.
Furthermore, the social network is not focusing on bringing the new entertainment hub sidebar to smartphones just yet. This is understandable since smartphone displays are quite small compared to a full sized tablet.
