Facebook Prototypes Give You a Taste of The Future

Facebook just announced the launch of Facebook Prototypes at TechCrunch50 conference. Just like Google Labs, Facebook Prototypes will allow you to activate experimental features and applications for Facebook that will let you to customize and enhance your experience. This experimental section has come about because Facebook regularly holds hackathons where developers can explore their creativity and create new things for Facebook.  Facebook Video is one project that became a reality in this way. Now, the average user can get an idea of what’s coming simply by keeping an eye on Facebook Prototypes.

Desktop Notifications

This is actually a download for Mac OS X that let’s you know when interesting things are happening on your Facebook account. It gives you quick access to your news feed, wall posts, and messages. If you’re addicted to Facebook like many seem to be and you happen to have a Mac, it’s definitely worth a look. (details at TC)

Similar Posts

Sometimes, you may see something on your Facebook homepage that’s interesting and you want to find more content just like it. The Similar Posts prototype will allow you to do so. Simply activate it and click “Similar Posts” on any item that tickles your fancy.

Photo Tag Search

If you’ve ever wanted to find photos of a specific person or group of people on Facebook, you probably realized it wasn’t really possible. Now, with Photo Tag Search, this is actually an easy task. It integrates right into your photo dashboard, so simple turn it on and go.

Recent Comments Filter

This was the first prototype to catch my eye because I’m always struggling to figure out what my friends on Facebook are actually talking about and where. Recent Comments Filter shows you only threads that one of your friends have recently commented on. Very useful if you’re trying to stay engaged.

This is actually a good development for Facebook. Having this type of testing lab available to users not only benefits them in getting feedback on what should be permanent features of Facebook, but it makes them seem a little more personal and open. This is very important if they’re really going to attract users like those of Twitter and FriendFeed. I’m also interested to see just how creative these Facebook developers can get, especially with the FriendFeed guys on staff.