Facebook App Centre Launched in US - UK Will Follow Shortly

Facebook have finally submerged themselves into Android with their new app centre. It was only a matter of time! There will be an element of personalisation as recommendations will depend on other apps downloaded and also apps their Facebook friends favour. With more than 600 apps already available, including Spotify and Flixster, and only quality apps making the grade, it's sure to be a huge success.

As usual, the US is the first country to sample Facebooks app centre, but the UK and other countries should not be too far behind. Facebook is set to have its revenues boosted as it will take a 30% share of all apps purchased using Facebook credits. The fact that Facebook credits can be used to purchase apps should please many smartphones users, especially as Facebook credit cards can be bought as gifts from most large supermarkets, card shops etc.

Matt Wyndowe, Facebook's apps / games product manager said: 'Every app in the App Centre has screenshots and a detailed description, so you can learn more about it before installing it. It helps you control your privacy by showing the information an app needs and letting you choose who can see your activity on Facebook.'

In opening its new app centre, that's available to use on either home PC's, Android or iOS, Facebook has gone some way to addressing its issue of monetizing its mobile sector. With over half of Facebook's members using smartphones to access it, there was a pressing need to find a strategy that would work, and work well.

According to a BBC analyst Facebook's app centre would have huge appeal to app developers, due to its high profile and the fact that apps and content would be shared amongst friends, which equals instant marketing.

Each app will have its own page with full details; if an app needs to be installed you will be redirected to either the App Store or Google Play. Apps will also be rated according to the amount of times they are used which is a unique measuring stick of an apps appeal. We can't wait for the UK to get its Facebook centre up and running!