The latest version of Facebook for BlackBerry is not only faster than previous releases, it also has a bunch of new features that make the app more on par with what the iPhone and Android clients offer: a new navigation bar, enhanced listings for friends and Pages, Facebook Search and a dedicated inbox.
Facebook for Blackberry 1.9 is available through the BlackBerry Beta Zone, which is free with signup
Here are some of the highlights of the new version:
- Dedicated Inbox – You can now choose to view your Facebook messages within your BlackBerry messages inbox or in its own separate inbox just for Facebook.
- Facebook Messages are also now synchronized with the inbox on the web.
- Facebook Search – You can search for individuals and Pages and then send a friend request to individuals or “Like” a Page if you so choose.
- BlackBerry 6 users can get Facebook info from the universal search widget now, too.
- Updated Friends and Page Lists – Friends and Pages are now organized in tabs and include thumbnails so that you can select a friend or Page to access to see individual information or updates.
We’re glad RIM is keeping Facebook for BlackBerry updated. In a pre-iPhone universe, the Facebook app for BlackBerry was actually one of the best. It’s fallen behind the competition a bit, but we appreciate how RIM strives to keep Facebook integrated with other aspects of the OS.