In a move that still needs explanation, Facebook has announced that it will launch your own app store. They will all have to have something to do with the social network. Facebook will leverage the immense power that its user base gives it. 900 over millions of users to highlight those you like the most. It doesn't matter if they are for iOS, the web, or Android, will treat them all equally. However, when it comes to downloading them, it will send us to the App Store or Google Play.
What is App Center and how does it work?
App Center is a curated showcase within Facebook that brings together applications with social integration. Treats web and mobile apps equally, and when one requires installation it directs you to App Store or Google Play. In addition, it allows send the installation to the mobile with functions like "Send to mobile", useful if you browse from your computer.
The store is not ready yet, but Facebook has already opened the closure for the developers design a kind of cover letter to upload your applications to your App Center. Your goal is make it the central place from which to locate applications that get along better with Facebook. The advantage it has is that most of the apps we use have some kind of integration with Facebook. Its 900 million users are another compelling reason for developers to want to be there.
- Personalized Discovery based on assessment and use, prioritizing quality.
- Social recommendations: apps from your contacts, top rated and trending.
- Detail pages with description, screenshots and permissions/privacy visible before installing.
- Organized Categories: games, entertainment, Facebook, lifestyle, music, news, photos and video, sports, travel and tools.
They will use a series of mechanisms, such as user ratings and usage to determine whether or not an app should appear on their unique listThat's why they're asking developers to put in the effort. They'll have a space in the App Center to create a page to showcase their app. Without this page, they won't appear in the list. There they'll be able to upload images of the app, a definition of it, permits required… Etc.
The discovery experience is powered by Facebook features like customize the Feed to see more of what interests you, explore Marketplace for your hobbies and consumption recommendations on Reels. Even AI goal can help you get information instantly and search for topics with interactive results, making it easy to find apps that match your tastes.
User experience, security and control
Some users perceive that the Facebook app is heavy or intrusive in notifications. If this is your case, you can configure what notifications you receive and adjust the privacy from the app itself. For reference, check the Terms and Policies, the Privacy Policy and the Meta Safety Center. Keep in mind that Some features may vary by country or region.
Actually App Center is not going to be an application store, but a great showcase of them on Facebook. When we want to install one, a link to Google Play or App Store will open. It gives the impression that Facebook wants to get on the bandwagon of applications by getting between us and the stores but without bearing the cost that this entails, that is left to the developers, Google and Apple. They are not at all stupid on Facebook.
More details en Facebook Developers.
App Center is positioned as central point for discovering Facebook-compatible apps, connecting users, developers, and official stores without having to take on distribution. If you're looking for new social apps, this curated and relevant showcase can help you find exactly what fits your online activity.
