Facebook Credits could become 'web currency'

Facebook Credits could become 'web currency'

Facebook has begun working with web companies to allow them to use Facebook Credits to buy items and play games outside of the social network.

The scheme, which was announced through the official blog, could eventually see Facebook Credits become a universal web currency that can be used to replace conventional forms of online payment.

The social networking giant is testing the scheme with with social games company GameHouse.

Unified app experience

GameHouse will use Facebook credits to allow members to play games like Collapse! Blast and Uno on its own network as well as on Facebook.com, to offer a 'unified app experience'.

The blog post says: "We have begun working with a few developers to test the ability to offer Facebook Credits on websites, with the goal of helping them offer a more unified app experience to users beyond apps on Facebook. One early example is Collapse! Blast on Gamehouse.com.

"At this time, we are focused on gathering early developer feedback. We will keep you posted as our tests continue. If you are interested in Facebook Credits for websites should we broaden the test, please sign up here."

Facebook will get 30 per cent of the proceeds according to the AllThingsD blog.

Facebook apps now available on mobile phones

Facebook apps now available on mobile phones

Those who use Facebook on their mobile phones have come a step closer to enjoying the same experience as desktop users, with apps now being available directly through mobile browsers.

"The apps are a big part of what makes Facebook so engaging," says Wayne Bischoff, MD Habari Media, Facebook's local sales partner. "Whether it's tracing a family through We're Related, playing Texas HoldEm Poker or tending crops in Farmville, millions of people engage with Facebook apps every day. That experience is now available to anyone with a browser on their mobile phone."

Bischoff expects take-up of mobile apps to be especially rapid in Africa, where many people have no alternative to using their phones. He notes that of South Africa's 4.7 million Facebook users, 3.1 million regularly access it through their mobile phones.

The move is good news for app developers and businesses as well, says Bischoff. "People discover apps through invitations or by seeing their friends' activity. Taking your app mobile means it will be visible in the news feed, so you can not only deepen users' engagement, but also reach an entirely new audience."

Users can now easily find their favourite apps on their mobile phones; and if they interact with a new app on their phones, it will be automatically bookmarked so they can find it again on their desktops. The experience will be the same no matter what device is being used, says Bischoff.

"Any brand that is developing its presence on Facebook wants to create and deepen connections with its fans," says Bischoff. "If they have the budget to develop and promote an app, the availability of the mobile version now means they can reach more people, more easily."

Mobile apps are also a revenue opportunity, notes Bischoff: "Facebook apps are essentially websites," he says. "You can do anything with an app that you can do with a website, including charging fees or selling virtual goods. Users can now buy and spend Facebook Credits from anywhere."

Facebook Platform for Mobile, the underlying infrastructure which makes mobile apps possible, is now available to all developers. All that is needed is to build the app using HTML5 - which means only one version need be created across all platforms - and register a mobile URL through the developer site.

Lazer Stunt Chasers

If you have never used a laser pointer to play with a cat, then you don't know the joy of teasing animals! I recently reviewed a laser pointer from Griffin, and I loved to watch my kids chase the red dot of light

http://www.gadgetwiki.com/20111026/lazer-stunt-chasers/ Lazer Stunt Chasers.

Calgary man charged with pointing laser at police chopper

Authorities have charged a Calgary man with criminal and federal aviation offences after someone flashed a laser pointer at the police HAWCS helicopter early this morning.

Police said the incident happened at about 1:45 a.m., as chopper was searching the area around the 600 block of 4th Avenue N.E. in response to a disturbance call.

The flight crew reported a green laser beam flashing through the cockpit as it circled the area.

Officers on the ground were able to trace the source of the beam and arrested a man.

Police didn't specify if the suspect was connected to the original disturbance call.

David Palvialok, 35, has been charged with obstructing police and mischief under the criminal code. He's also charged with endangering the safety of an aircraft in flight, and creating a hazard to aviation safety, which are offences under federal aviation legislation.

In 2010, Transport Canada recorded 182 cases of laser pointers being aimed at aircraft -- 14 in Alberta. In 2005, there were only three recorded incidents across the entire country.

Laser hurt

FELONIOUS ASSAULT, MONTICELLO BOULEVARD: Police were informed of a felonious assault at Monticello Middle School at 2:45 p.m. Oct. 11. According to police, a 12-year-old male student shined a laser pointer into the eye of a 13-year-old female classmate on Oct. 5. The victim did not immediately report the incident, but finally told her parents when the pain in her eye and blurred vision persisted. She was taken to the hospital, and eventually a specialist. She reported blurred vision as of Oct. 12, and the status of the eye remains unknown. The male student was charged with felonious assault.

http://www.cleveland.com/cleveland-heights/index.ssf/2011/10/12-year_old_charged_with_felon.html