Facebook updates app for old mobiles

Smartphones might offer better sharing features compared to older phones but they aren't used by most people around the world, says Facebook.

With this in mind Facebook has vowed to improve the mobile experience for users of older handsets.

Program Manager Mark Heynen posted a blog on the changes, saying, “We want people to have a great mobile experience no matter what type of phone they carry. Smartphones have offered better features for sharing with friends but aren't used by most people around the world.”

The company has launched a new mobile app that works on more than 2,500 devices from Nokia, Sony Ericsson, LG and others.

“The app provides a better Facebook experience for our most popular features, including an easier-to-navigate home screen, contact synchronisation and fast scrolling of photos and friend updates,” Heynen added.

“We also wanted to make it available to as many people as possible. Similar to the 0.facebook.com site, we've worked with mobile operators from around the world to let you try this without paying for any data charges.”

Unfortunately there isn’t one New Zealand mobile operator mentioned in the 14 listed by Facebook.

The app will be rolled out in other countries over time.

Sing if you’re using right now.