Facebook held its much anticipated event at its headquarters. The social networking site was expected to announce a "Facebook
Mobile" handset, but those rumors turned out to be"¦well, mere rumors. However, it did announce a couple of new features.
Facebook seems to be getting in direct competition with Foursquares and discount website Groupon, as it has launched new service "Deals". Launched this Wednesday, Deals will use Facebook's Places feature. Once a user checks in at a place using Places, they will receive promotional material from the merchants in the surrounding areas. Facebook has already collaborated with GAP, Macy's and Starbucks for this purpose.
The company is not planning on charging consumers or businesses for this service. However, it will sell local business ads on it website
Facebook has also introduced single sign-in feature. Although, you still have to grant permission to individual apps to access your account, but now you have to enter your password only once, making it easier for you to log into various Facebook related apps and services. Facebook also quashed the rumors of a self branded phone stating that it is not interested in any such ventures.