At the end of last year (sounds so long ago when you say it like that!), Facebook made it clear they are focusing on mobile -and developers should, too.
On November 30thFacebook's director of developer relations, Doug Purdy, spoke at the AppNation conference in San Francisco. His message to developers? Go mobile. Jonathan Carson of The Nielsen Company also spoke, telling the audience that 44 percent of U.S. consumers carry smartphones and 56 percent of mobile handsets sold are smartphones. Their basic point was the same: the mobile app or mobile web space presents a major opportunity for developers.
Looking at mobile apps, this is true for a few reasons. For one, app rankings are extremely fluid. Apps frequently enter and leave Top 50 lists, giving new developers a good chance to get recognition. The level of interaction between users and their apps is unique, as well; it peaks in the late morning and stays high all through the evening - it's not a one-time deal. Users stay connected until - as Purdy put it-"your app goes from being something that people use to something that is a part of who they are."
Facebook's latest major hire is set to make a difference in the arena as well. James Pearce was just brought on as mobile head of developer relations, emphasizing even more the potential that Facebook sees in mobile app development.
When a company as large, growing, and influential as Facebook is making big moves in the mobile space, it sends a clear message: if you aren't already developing for mobile, now is the time to get on board. We certainly are!