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WSJ: Snapchat turned down $3 billion buyout offer from Facebook

Cody Lee ∙ Updated December 23, 2017

It was the summer of 2006. Facebook was just two years old, and strictly a college site, with some 8 or 9 million users. And the company's founder, Mark Zuckerberg, met with board members Jim Breyer and Peter Thiel to discuss Yahoo's $1 billion buyout offer.

As we all know, Zuckerberg ended up turning down the money, in what has become one of the most infamous moves in the last 10 years of tech. But the wunderkind recently found himself on the other side of the negotiating table, with even more money at stake...

Facebook launches redesigned Messenger app

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 13, 2018

In line with reports from early October, Facebook has launched a redesigned Messenger app for iPhone users this afternoon. The new design matches the aesthetics of iOS 7, and looks very similar to the updated Messenger app launched for Android a few weeks ago.

In addition to the makeover, today's update also brings about some new features. In the new app, users will be able to see which friends are using Messenger, as well as have the ability to message non-Facebook friends from within the app as long as they have their number...

Facebook app update brings post editing to iPad

Cody Lee ∙ Updated December 4, 2013

Last month, Facebook rolled out an update for its iOS app that allowed users to edit posts and comments and preview all of their changes. But up until now, these features have been exclusive to the iPhone.

That changed, however, late last night, when a new version of the Facebook client popped up in the App Store. The update, which brings the app to version 6.7, brings the ability to edit posts to iPad users...

And so it begins: first ads begin showing up on Instagram

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Instagram officially launched its advertising platform today, putting an end to its 3+ year-long ad-free streak. A 'sponsored post' from upscale fashion brand Michael Kors has begun appearing in user timelines.

But it's not like we didn't know this was coming. The launch comes just a week after the social network offered up a preview of what ads were going to look like on Instagram, and after months of several warnings...

Facebook previews new-look Messenger with phone number integration

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated December 23, 2017

We were told last month Facebook had been working on a new version of its iPhone client with Graph Search and testing a major rethinking to the standalone instant messaging software, Facebook Messenger (a free download from the App Store).

Today, the social networking behemoth announced a new Messenger experience is now available for limited testing on Android and coming soon to iOS. Representing a major refresh, Messenger has undergone a substantial facelift and now lets folks instant-message each other using only their phone numbers, putting Messenger on a collision course with WhatsApp...

Facebook for iOS updated with new editing features, photo comments and more

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Facebook for iOS received a significant update this afternoon, bringing the app to version 6.6. The update brings about a number of handy new features, including the ability to edit published posts and comments.

First introduced back in September on the desktop version of the social network, the new editing option allows users to correct spelling and other mistakes in both their posts or comments from their iOS devices...

How to quickly post to Twitter or Facebook in iOS 7

Sébastien Page ∙ Updated February 5, 2018

One feature I really miss from iOS 6 is the Share Widget that would let you to add "Tap to Tweet" and "Tap to Post" buttons to Notification Center, allowing you to quickly send a tweet or post to Facebook.

When the first iOS 7 beta versions were released, we all thought the widgets would make their way to the final release, but they didn't. Today, we're going to show you a workaround that allows you to quickly send a tweet or post to Facebook in iOS 7...

Facebook acquires mobile app-maker Onavo for $120 million

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 14, 2018

Facebook announced today that it has acquired Onavo, an Israel-based startup. Initial reports claimed the sale price was in upwards of $200 million, but a more recent scoop from The New York Times claims it was closer to $120 million.

There are two parts to Onavo's business: one of consumer-facing apps that help optimize iOS and Android device performance, as well as minimize their data usage while surfing the web, and one of app analytics for mobile publishers...

Facebook removing option to be unsearchable by name

Cody Lee ∙ Updated December 4, 2013

Just a heads up for those that missed the news yesterday: Facebook is going to be removing the 'Who can look up your Timeline by name' privacy option that allowed you to make it so your profile could not be found via search.

The social network actually removed the option for those who weren't using it last December. But for the small percentage still using it, it has announced that they will receive reminders about its removal in the coming weeks...

Facebook testing iPhone client with Graph Search, revamps Messenger for iOS 7 style

Christian Zibreg ∙ October 9, 2013

The social networking giant Facebook used to irk fans with its sluggish mobile clients that used to be second-class citizens on smartphones and tablets. Blame it on Zuck & Co. for taking the easy route by wrapping the mobile-optimized HTML code into "native" apps. That changed last year after Facebook hired a few former Apple engineers like Greg Novick and tasked them with rewriting these apps from the ground up to be snappier and more responsive than the web app disguised as a native one.

Although Novick has now reportedly departed Facebook and will return to Apple, the company has been busy developing major new updates to mobile Facebook and Messenger clients on iOS and Android. Both applications are now apparently dogfooded to company employees for testing purposes. Here's what's in store for the revamped Facebook and Messenger...