Facebook has launched the long rumored App Center for both iOS, Android and the web. There are about 600 applications in the initial set, during the launch day.
Have you ever wondered what was Facebook’s next big move on their ecosystem? Well, it looks like they are the apps. There were rumors and leaks before that Facebook is working on an app store kind of a product, and now, it is true. Facebook today officially announced that they are launching an app center, that would be available for both web and mobile devices. The users can send the apps they like to their mobile devices and then download the app on their device.
Facebook has also opened up a developer channel for the App Center, where developers will be able to submit their apps to Facebook and also, if the developer follows the guidelines, they have the highest probability of getting featured on the front page, which is interesting. The app center currently has 600 applications for the users to grant access and use. The ecosystem would grow eventually as developers take notice of this new platform.
As Tim Cook hinted at the D10 Conference this month, Facebook is expected to have a deeper integration with the iOS6, and this new app center ecosystem on Facebook would stir some news again over this integration. You can access the Facebook App Center here on the web, or download it for iOS or Android pretty soon.
· Each person will have a personalized experience in the App Center, with recommendations based on the apps they and their friends use, whether that be games or fashion, food, fitness, travel, or other lifestyle apps.
· You’ll only see high quality apps in the App Center, based on user ratings and engagement.
· The App Center is available on mobile via the Facebook apps for iOS and Android, or by accessing Facebook.com on mobile.
Stats:
· More than 230 million people play games on Facebook every month
· More than 130 games on Facebook have more than 1 million monthly active users.
· More than 4,500 timeline apps have launched since f8 in September 2011.
· Facebook drove people to the Apple App Store 83 million times in May.
· Facebook drove people to iOS apps 134 million times in May (someone who already has the app and is directed back to it from Facebook.)
· As of May, seven of the top 10 grossing iOS apps and six of the top 10 Android apps have integrated with Facebook.