Thu Feb 12, 2009 11:26 am
Facebook is increasing its efforts to integrate its social network into mobile phones, including those made by Nokia, the world's largest handset maker.
Facebook and Nokia are discussing a partnership that would integrate parts of the social network into some Nokia phones.
Under one possibility, contact information stored in Facebook could be integrated with the handheld's address book. When users look up a contact, they could see whether their Facebook friends are logged on, send them messages and post comments on their profile.
Talks between the companies have been ongoing for months, and it is unclear whether an agreement will be reached.
Nokia is deciding whether it wants to team up with an established player like Facebook or build a social network from the ground up.
Another issue is how much information Facebook would have access to. Nokia doesn't want the service to give Facebook a way to compile data about mobile users, such as their web browsing or purchasing habits.
Facebook's move echos other websites such as MySpace and YouTube, which have worked with cell phone makers to give access to features more easily.
MySpace worked with Danger to integrate into the T-Mobile Sidekick and like Facebook has built software applications for the BlackBerry and iPhone.
Nokia cooperated with YouTube on its some of its Nseries phones, while LG partnered with YouTube to developed a mobile phone.
Facebook is working with Palm to add parts of its social network into a new mobile operating system. Motorola and Facebook have also discussed integrating the site into future devices.
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