Why Would Facebook Release Their Own Phone, When Apple Is Doing This For Them?
June 14, 2012
Following our report on native app changes in iOS 6.0, we received a number of inquiries from our readers about Facebook integration. Specifically, our readers wanted to know if it was possible to simply turn this feature off in Apple's next iOS. The quick answer to this is yes ... and no.
In iOS 6.0 beta, Facebook integration cannot be turned off, at least not completely. Even if you don’t have the Facebook app installed on your iPhone/iPod touch or iPad, the share to Facebook option remains in key areas. Additionally, this “feature” remains even if you aren’t logged into the social networking service via iOS, which is accessible through your Settings app.
In this case, integration remains on in Apple’s native Photo and Camera apps. It also remains in the $4.99 iPhoto app.
Also, please note, if you do happen to click on the Facebook share option in any of the previously mentioned apps and don’t have a Facebook account added under Settings, iOS will prompt you to add it.
Where Facebook integration is turned off when you aren’t logged into your account is on the Notification page, and in the Calendar and Contact apps. Siri will also confirm that no Facebook account is listed, if you ask it to update your Facebook status. In this case, you'll receive a terse comment from Siri stating that no Facebook account is installed plus a link to do so.
Personally, I think this is way too much Facebook integration. What's next, the Facebook powered Apple iTV?
Note: Keep in mind, iOS 6.0 is currently being tested by Apple and by developers using the first in a series of betas. Between now and the time the public version of iOS 6.0 is released, changes to some or all of the features may occur. As per usual, we’ll keep you updated.
What are your thoughts on Facebook integration and iOS 6.0?
