Facebook has recently launched a new instant chat feature allowing users to chat with each other in real time. When you log on, there’s an interface at the bottom right hand corner of the browser. The feature runs right off of the website, meaning you won’t need to download an external app to run it, and it will remain in a static location while a user browses around various Facebook pages.
There is also an option to pop-out the chat into it’s own independent window.
So far the features of the chart seem to be very basic, although I’m sure that will change with time. Here’s what you need to know:
- There is no limits to the number of chats a user can have at one time
- There are no group chats, only one on one functionality for the time being
- No “away message”, a user can be either online or “idle.”
- There is no API for it, so you can only use the chat on Facebook
- Chat files are automatically stored for 90 days, and then deleted, but users will be able to delete files manually at any point in time.
I guess they think you’ll have Facebook open all day wherever you are so you can chat with friends. Unfortunately, as many in the working world can attest, that’s not the typical Facebook behaviour. Usually, people are logging in during the day (if their work hasn’t banned it) and seeing what’s up for a few minutes and then logging out. The chat introduces a different user experience that might appeal more to Facebook’s younger demographic.
A STEP TOWARDS AOL…
It’s no secret that Facebook’s strategy is to try and keep you on their site for as long as possible, so the Chat addition is not unsurprising. In fact, if you ask me, I wouldn’t be surprised if Facebook eventually evolved to be an AOL like space, a completely internal community.
I mean let’s deconstruct this a bit shall we?
Chat:
AOL as a private chat feature, so does Facebook. You can run AOL IM outside of the AOL platform, and I am assuming this functionality will eventually be added to the Facebook Chat.
Groups
AOL as entire communities around every conceivable topic, and Facebook has groups. It wouldn’t be a far stretch for those groups to evolve into like minded communities that are grouped together and linked by chat rooms? I mean eventually, you’ll probably be able to not only see your online Facebook Friends but people who are in related communities and share common interests with you.
Messages
Currently users can only send messages to other Facebook users, but it would be cool to be able to send FB messages to external email addresses.
Games
I think these games will grow in complexity and become more interactive.
Next Steps
The next logical step would be for Facebook to introduce an internal web browser which would allow you to view different external websites without leaving Facebook.
I would also like to see them incorporate more Linked-in type features as their core demographics begin to grow older and shift life stages.
FACEBOOK’S ENDGAME
Ultimately, when you opened your web browser you would log on to Facebook and stay there all day. You’d be able to access all your favorite websites, chat with your friends and manage your email messages. I’m interested to see what Facebook’s next move is.
But I do have some reservations. AOL, much like Facebook is a walled garden, and personally I am always wary of closed communities that try to funnel your web adventures through their platform. It just feels wrong to me somehow. I’m sure there will be all sorts of privacy issues especially surfing and chat history. All we can do now, is wait and see.
