Is Facebook about to launch a search engine? Rumours claim firm set to take on Google with new service launching tonight
Facebook is set to launch its own search engine to take on Google, it was claimed today. The firm is due to make a major announcement tonight, asking journalists to attend its US HQ to ‘see what we’ve been building’.
Online rumours have claimed everything from a mobile phone to an internet telephone service is set to be revealed – with the latest rumours claiming we will see ‘Facebook Search’ unveiled. Facebook’s mysterious invite, which was sent to US journalists. Some believe it may see the firm launch its own mobile phone.
Although exact details of how the new search engine will work remain unclear for now, we have been told that the social network is planning to launch a big new search feature on the site ‘very soon’, one that will shake everything up, the site claimed.
Facebook already offers a basic search feature on its site, allowing users to look for ‘people, places and things’. However, it is believed tonight’s announcement could see this dramatically upgraded. ‘If Facebook were to allow users to quickly search the social network and beyond for example, it could cause major headaches for Google: the new feature would give Facebook users a reason to bypass Google altogether,’ said Pocket Lint.
“This could do very well…” Stuart Miles of Pocket Lint told MailOnline. “A lot of people are used to Facebook, and I think it’s a no-brainer.’Google has tried to get into social with Google+, and the two areas go together.”
Mr Miles also warned Facebook would need to tread carefully around privacy, but said: “As long as Facebook doesn’t touch settings, users will not be worried”.
The new feature is expected to be made available within hours of tonight’s announcement. Facebook’s HQ in Menlo Park, in the heart of silicon Valley, where the launch will take place. Some experts also believe Facebook could reveal a mobile phone. The firm has been rumoured several times to be developing its own phone.
Its apps for existing phones have already been expanded to include many features found in other handsets, such as messaging and photo sharing through the recent purchase of Instagram.
Recent reports claim it has poached engineers from Apple’s iPhone and iPad team to work on the project, which is believed to be being built by HTC. The social networking giant has also previously collaborated with HTC to launch the ChaCha and Salsa phones with a dedicated Facebook button and deep integration of the social network. However, it is believed the new handset could be fully Facebook branded, and run far more of the firm’s software than any other handset.
Facebook HQ features murals, and even touchscreen maps so visitors can navigate the huge campus. Facebook is also preparing to roll out a new feature for its Messenger app which allows users to place free voice calls to friends. The feature is so far available only to iPhone online casino users in Canada and is buried within the latest update to the app, but it will eventually allow users to make free internet voice calls, known as VoIP calls, to any Facebook friend. Experts are saying it represents an attempt by the world’s largest social network to dominate the social world by taking on the default calling function in mobile phones.
So watch this space for Facebooks major announcement!
Is your dental practice using Facebook to its full potential? Contact Dental Design for information about keeping your branding consistent across the social networks, in addition to information about our full social media management package on: 01202 677 277.
More posts from our team
Five Star
Reviewed Marketing
"Would definitely recommend to a friend"
"I cannot recommend Dental Design highly enough"
"Really great company to deal with"
"Very professional, efficient & adaptive to new situations"
"I cannot recommend them highly enough"
"Has been invaluable and gone out of her way to help us"
"We love the look of our practice website. Very professional!"
"Dental Design stood out both in their knowledge of the industry and their professionalism"
"The team and package offered at dental design was unrivalled"
"absolutely fantastic and are always on hand to help"
"Dental Design are fantastic to work with"
"always met with a swift and professional response"
