We are all well versed in the battle for mobile app supremacy between Apple and Google’s Android platform, but a new battleground may well be emerging, which pitches Apple against Facebook. Whilst Facebook is ramping up its efforts to become more Apple-friendly with its forthcoming iPad app, it is also planning to dethrone Apple as king of mobile app distribution.
Facebook users have been crying out for a dedicated iPad app since its release a year ago and CNET have reported that the app is in the final stages of testing. According to the New York Times, Mark Zuckerberg has personally overseen development, and its slick design has been tailored to the iPad’s touchscreen interface, and users are able to seamlessly upload video shot by the iPad.
While this may suggest that Apple and Facebook are scratching each other’s backs, other reports suggest that this is merely the first stage in Facebook trying to beat Apple at its own game. Recently, TechCrunch uncovered details of Facebook’s top-secret ‘Project Spartan’ – a new Safari-only app platform designed to work on iPhone and iPad. Facebook plans to use this to design and distribute its own apps from within Apple’s devices, and is apparently working with 80 outside developers including The Huffington Post and Zynga. Techcrunch claim that Facebook’s intention is “…to use Apple’s own devices against them to break the stranglehold they have on mobile app distribution.”
Relations between the two digital giants soured earlier this year when Apple chose Twitter as its partner in the development of iOS 5, when it was thought Facebook had been the preferred partners at an earlier stage. So take heed all you mobile app developers looking for jobs, as you may soon need to focus your energy on building apps for Facebook’s 700 million strong userbase. BD is currently recruiting for UI, PHP and .NET developers in London and Manchester. For our latest technical/IT jobs, click here.
No comments:
Post a Comment