Microsoft just Zuned their entire mobile platform?

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gundar

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#173898 10-Jun-2015 08:39

http://www.theverge.com/2015/6/8/8746857/microsoft-windows-facebook-integration-not-supported

Could it be that every mobile device Microsoft has ever made is now completely irrelevant to about 2 billion connected people?

I have a Windows phone and it is going to be a brick if I can no longer sync my Facebook content with my handset. I now understand that Microsofts key and flagship mobile feature is 100% dependent on the Facebook API, but then how is it legal or even moral to sell a product based on a feature that one has no control over?

I've been a strong critic of Microsoft's dodgy business practices for years, but I never expected this Zune so quickly.

To me this means the Nokia acquisition is a waste, too. Nokia handsets are designed and sold around the People app which will now be serving nothing because, let's face(book) it, what is the alternative? Does Microsoft even have a social network or a half decent Google+ connector? Nokia handsets are now just handsets like all the rest...

What am I missing?

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BDFL - Memuneh
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#1320855 10-Jun-2015 09:01

Nothing. Their first implementation of the social in People was bad - hardcoded stuff.

Then they moved into a more "plugin" approach. But Twitter didn't join. And they hardcoded Facebook stuff.

Now the Facebook API Graph is changed, and their hardcoded stuff is toast.

Again, bad planning, in a six to seven years journey.

The Microsoft folks just can't learn from their mistakes.

ChrisNZL

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#1320862 10-Jun-2015 09:10

I've read over the years that yes, Facebook's API changes, and when it changes, you need to adapt or things break, a common gripe from developers.

Relying on third-party APIs that can change isn't always a good move.

Creator of Tallowmere. Working on Tallowmere 2.

freitasm

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#1320869 10-Jun-2015 09:15

But aren't all APIs "third party" by definition?

Adapt or die...

xpd

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#1320890 10-Jun-2015 09:26

So, Facebook isnt part of Windows Phone going forward. Phone still works, still does txting, still plays movies, games, takes photos, does everything else..... if you bought a phone just because of one single 3rd party feature, you really need to get out more.

It sucks, but get on with life.

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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#1320902 10-Jun-2015 09:35

Facebook contacts has stopped syncing. Facebook newfeed still works. I hope in Windows Mobile 10, the Facebook app is developed by Facebook itself rather than Microsoft which then hooks into the People Hub.

Do whatever you want to do man.

freitasm

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#1320907 10-Jun-2015 09:37

Yes, but Microsoft sucks at relationships. They never managed to get a full Twitter feed in the People app - no interest from the content provider.

timmmay

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#1320911 10-Jun-2015 09:38

I really don't like apps syncing rubbish onto my phone, I don't need "friends" information in my contacts list. For me this would be a win.

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BlueShift

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#1320917 10-Jun-2015 09:43

The Facebook App will push stuff in there if you really want it to. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2015/06/09/facebook_disconnect_microsoft_apps/

MikeB4

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#1320921 10-Jun-2015 09:45

Oh no, no Facebook. Can't cope, life as we know it is over. Okay I have never sync'd Facebook just didn't want those fingers through everything

toyonut

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#1320933 10-Jun-2015 10:01

Oh well, hopefully it fails gracefully and doesn't leave little 404 pages everywhere through the contacts.

Try Vultr using this link and get us both some credit:

http://www.vultr.com/?ref=7033587-3B

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#1320957 10-Jun-2015 10:38

GG Microsoft, It's been a blast but I think it's time we saw other mobile OS's.

After being a Windows Phone user for the last several years I think I'm going to have to switch to an Android.

No details anywhere on what's changed or why MS is killing this, but seriously if you want to stay in the mobile phone business, do what you have to do to fix it. Buy Facebook if you need too.

I'm a geek, a gamer, a dad, a Quic user, and an IT Professional. I have a full rack home lab, size 15 feet, an epic beard and Asperger's. I'm a bit of a Cypherpunk, who believes information wants to be free and the Net interprets censorship as damage and routes around it. If you use my Quic signup you can also use the code R570394EKGIZ8 for free setup.

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#1321945 10-Jun-2015 10:51

No Facebook sync would make you switch Platform... really?

invisibleman18

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#1321946 10-Jun-2015 10:51

Bit confused what this means, but will the Facebook app still work? Is it just info going to the contacts won't happen anymore? Can't say I've ever wanted Facebook info in my contacts anyway so as long as the app can still be used that's enough for me.

freitasm

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#1321949 10-Jun-2015 10:53

The app still works. It's just the integration with the People tile.

gundar

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#1322010 10-Jun-2015 12:21

freitasm: The app still works. It's just the integration with the People tile.

The official app stopped working long ago with an update and there is no sign of an update anywhere. I get a lot of "sorry we cannot get data right now" or it closes when I open a page or event. I also only see public posts in my newsfeed now as there are more public posts in Facebook then I have friends. The app is pointless and Facebook only useful when browsed with mobile browser, which has for some months now stopped showing websites.

So yes, Android. To those quick to critisise: thanks for considering the OP might have a different point of view or use case - this means there is no addressbook /contacts syncing, which means when my friends change their details in Facebook, like email address or phone number, I no longer get the most recent but have to find them manually ("hey, do you have John's new number" - wtf). I noticed this was happening with new friends as early as last week, now I see why. Please notice I don't stalk the forums for products I don't use or understand and bash random OPs with my ego and opinion. Why am I here again?

In short, my 'smartphone' is now a phone ala 1999 because MS.

Edited to unrant a bit, but still ranting.

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