How Does Facebook Work With Your Cell Phone?
Facebook, the popular social networking website, has made it increasingly easy to integrate the use of its features with cell phones. Whether you are using an older cell phone or a state-of-the-art smartphone, Facebook allows you to use many of the popular features that are found on its traditional website.
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Browser
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If you're using a cell phone that has a built-in Web browser, you can access Facebook in multiple ways. Facebook provides a mobile site that offers a scaled-down version of its normal Web experience, allowing you to access most of its features. The mobile site is optimized for use on cell phones and fits the screen size of your phone. You can post statuses, get notifications, read your friend's updates, access photos and send and read messages from your inbox. For phones with a touch screen, Facebook has a touch site that functions similarly to the mobile site, but it is designed specifically to cater to those users. With advanced browsers on smartphones, you can also access the standard Facebook site as it would appear on your computer. While the site will not fit your screen as the mobile sites will, you're able to scroll and use the full features that the standard Facebook website provides.
Applications
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For smartphones that use the iPhone, BlackBerry, Android and other operating systems, several Facebook applications are offered. These apps are provided as an alternative to the mobile sites, for quick and easy access to standard Facebook features through a basic menu. The advantage to these applications are that you can go directly to what you want to access without having to load the mobile site and browse through it to get there.
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Text Messaging
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If your phone doesn't have Internet access, you can still use some basic Facebook features via text messaging. Facebook will assign your phone a specific number that you can send a text message to that will update your current status. You can also subscribe to receive notifications in text message form that pertain to you or friends that you select. While you cannot actually access the site itself with this method, you can stay up to date on various Facebook activities. Facebook does not charge for this service, but standard text messaging rates from your service provider will apply.
Advanced Features
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Using Facebook on your smartphone offers some additional features. With the Facebook application, you can access the chat function that is available on the standard site. This allows you to chat with your friends that are online when you're on the go. Additionally, another feature only available to those that use Facebook on a smartphone, you can "check in" using your GPS-compatible phone and allow your friends to see where your current location is.
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