Facebook – The Ever Changing Network

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There are rumors…just rumors that Facebook is onto something big. It’s really becoming more difficult to keep up with Facebook and their developments nowadays but still I try. I log-in in the morning to see format changes. I come back in the afternoon and buttons have appeared. I try one more time in the evening, just to see if I’m staying current, and wouldn’t you know it, there’s a new application. How will I ever get the hang of this?

Well, apparently I won’t because it seems now they’ve done it again with the rumored new…wait for it …”CALL” BUTTON! I just have to ask. Does Facebook really need a “call” button? Are we not connected enough? Is there a need to call you when I already know what you’re doing? You just told all of us (you great friends) the oh-so-vital information that you’re “In line at the grocery store” so why do I need to call you for you to ...
... tell me that again? Okay, maybe I’m completely missing the point here. Perhaps the new call button has nothing at all to do with a “need.” Maybe, just maybe, Facebook is adding this button simply because they can and I guess if I really considered it, that’s reason enough.

Facebook has been allegedly developing this new feature since 2009 when there was talk of the company joining with Vivox to develop video chat capabilities. Nothing seemed to come of this venture as far as I know but Facebook is obviously still moving in that direction. As of late last year Facebook had code uncovered that included Skype user ID’s and other references to Skype. It is a fact that Facebook has been working with Skype in a partnership that would allow Facebook users to easily log into Skype using Facebook Connect which would give users the ability to text message, voice chat, and video chat with their Facebook friends from within Skype but no one suspected that this partnership would work the other way around.

Is Skype behind this? Would that explain the little “call” button that has appeared on several users’ profile? One user clicked the button in suspicion but they didn’t connect to anyone; guess they’re still working out the kinks. Either way, my curiosity is peaked. I’m curious to see if the new Facebook calling ability will soon weed out the cell phone. Facebook has already done a fine job at limiting actual face to face interaction (ironically enough) so I wouldn’t see why not. I’m also curious to see if the “call” will be the new status update. Won’t that keep all of us curious friends who are not on the call out of the loop? Oh, wait, maybe this “call” feature will have multi-friend capabilities! Wouldn’t that be exciting?! All 400 of us joined in on one incoherent conversation. Can’t you just imagine the possibilities?

Despite my cynicism I must admit that I’m impressed. Just when I think that Facebook has tapped its resources they surprise me again. Way to keep me on my toes Facebook! Listen, next time you guys come up with a bright idea, “call” me. I’m sitting here right in front of my computer waiting.