You may have heard that Facebook will be rolling out their new profiles and features, including "Facebook Timeline". As developers for Facebook, the team at MarketMeSuite got early access to it. This post explains the new lay out and features. The big change is actually on your own page, not so much on your news feed/homepage. The layout is completely new and different.
1- Cover Photo
The big change is the photo across the entire top of your page, the "Cover Photo":
As Facebook themselves say, it will now be the first thing anyone visiting your page see. It packs a punch and the visual impact is something not seen o Facebook before. You have complete control over the photo, much like a profile photo and it can be changed and updated as often as you like so you don't have to worry about it being set once it's in place. However, it is not something you an opt out of and remove so be sure to pick images you like!
Do note though, that Facebook has banned using this space as a banner for advertising, commercialization or infringement of others.
2- Data Storage
New Facebook will be storing your data is a newfangled manner. All in one place! Whether it's you photos, videos, your friends list, apps or anything else, they will all be located in the same place. This is not to say it will all be a jumbled mess on your page but rather set in a clear and precise row where you can select the topics of your choice:
It's definitely much easier to see what you are looking for and access it easily. When things are set out clearly, time and patience are saved, this is something that may make Facebook much more stream lined and efficient.
3- The Activity Timeline
Here is one of the key new features, where the idea of the "Timeline" really comes into its own. The activity timeline shows all of your updates, friend making, photo uploads etc that you have ever done. From the very first day you started using Facebook. It is also where you will be controlling your privacy settings for all posts, past, present and future.
This data can not be seen by any of your friends or other Facebook users so you can rest assure that your information will be secure and private so you can be as selective in your publishing and topics as you like! Be aware, this is not your notification prompts, they remain the same in the top bar.
4- The Real Timeline
The timeline, of everything you do on Facebook and in your day to day life. Whether you log your events in updates or fill in the blanks, add photos or videos, talk to friends, it is all logged here from day 1 to now! Whether you want to scroll back manually or select a date form the side side bar, you can see every single piece of data you wish.
This is great if you wish to locate a certain update, photo, status update or "Liked" data. Knowing you can find it easily but date or just scroll through means you have all your data at your fingertips ready to share with others or keep for yourself.
For Better Or Worse?
This new Facebook has been an eagerly anticipated event. Even though it had not been released to even developers until last week, it's a popular topic of conversation or many social media fans. And it's caused a ripple and divide in opinion. Some consider it a masterpiece in social networking future technique. After all you have every single piece of data you would ever need, you have control over it and it gives you far greater control over your social media and online sharing and interaction. However, others consider that it may be invading too much into ones personal life, as they will be asked to add D.O.B, key events, memories, personal events and feelings that happens outside of the social network. Does Facebook really need to know this? Is it all just advertising and an act of power at showing how influential they are? But saying that, people have the option to opt out of adding that data and keeping it as limited as possible so do Facebook really hold any sway over its users? People also argue that Facebook make far too many changes and it's hard for users to keep up with them and be constantly learning new ways of how it works.
Key Take Away
When this new Facebook is pushed out to everyone, the only person whose opinion matters will be yours. You get to pick what you add, which data to share with Facebook. It's an objective view and it will be a change which will have provoke various outlooks and opinions, sure to be heard through many a blog and article and even among friends. One thing is for sure, it's a change that you will have to get used to, love it or hate it.
Who Wrote This Article?
I'm Nikki and I work at MarketMeSuite, the social media marketing dashboard. We have some Great news! We are now free! Please check it out and be sure to let me know what you think!
