RIM today announced a forthcoming Facebook app for the BlackBerry PlayBook, due later this month. This will make it the first official Facebook app available for tablets.
The Facebook for BlackBerry PlayBook app will be optimized for use on the PlayBook's 7-inch, multi-touch screen, and will offer a number of features with which all Facebook users will be familiar. With the app, users will have the ability to view and add friends, as well as upload photos directly from the PlayBook's picture library. The app will also offer the ability to tag friends in photos, as well as view comments and likes.
Facebook Chat will come built in. Notifications of new chat messages will be displayed on the Notifications bar, so users can be notified of new chats while they are browsing elsewhere on the app. Pressing on any links in the news feed or on other windows will automatically open them in the PlayBook's browser. The PlayBook can also be connected to an HDTV to display photos and videos in full 1080p HD.
Basically, it sounds like the app will deliver most of the features that are available on the desktop version of Facebook, as well as most the features available on many Facebook apps for a number of smartphones.
Apple iPad users, as well as users of the many Android tablets out there such as the Motorola Xoom and the LG G-Slate, still do not have official Facebook apps available for their devices. Facebook can be accessed through the Web browser as well as unofficial third-party apps, but there is no news of an official Facebook app for either iOS or Android tablets in the works.
RIM plans to showcase the Facebook for BlackBerry PlayBook application later this week at BlackBerry World 2011 in Orlando, Florida. It is expected to be available on BlackBerry App World in May.
Earlier today, RIM also announced two powerful new BlackBerry phones with high-res touch screens, fast 1.2-GHz processors, and a new OS that offers better graphics than BlackBerries had before. For more, see the slideshow below.