Facebook is testing a new browser that will make sure you stay on FB

Facebook testing improved in-app browser that will make you stay on FB

Move over Chrome and Firefox, the all new Facebook browser is coming soon. The social networking giant is testing an improved in-app browser that would allow users input their own URL should they want to check another page without leaving the Facebook app.

Facebook has been long looking to convince the FB users to within its confines by providing all sorts of value added services like chats, messengers etc. However it lacked a full fledged browser that could take on the might of the market leader, Google Chrome and make its users stay on FB even while surfing the web.

The new in-App browser is a step in making that into a reality. Besides the aesthetic shift, a new bar on the bottom tells you how popular a post is, includes back and forward buttons, lets you bookmark pages, and has a menu button which likely includes a few more features too.

The only feature that is missing in the forthcoming Facebook browser is tab support. Apart from that the in-App browser is quite close to approximating a full-fledged app. Facebook hopes that once it gets the browser right, the Facebook app could essentially become a self-contained ecosystem of its own, it added.

Right now the browser is only made available to a small subset of users (iOS only), but most public test features end up receiving a wider roll-out a few months later.

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Microsoft Is Making Its Own SIM Cards For Windows Devices

Microsoft is working to make its own SIM cards that will help Windows 10 users avoid the messy contract schemes of cellular carriers. This SIM card will work with a new “Cellular Data” app that’ll let you buy mobile data using your Microsoft account.

Anew app from Microsoft has been spotted on Windows Store that allows the Windows 10 users to access the internet data without a contract. The new “Cellular Data” app gives a user the choice to buy a data plan using the Microsoft account and access the internet easily.

This app suggests that Redmond is developing its own SIM cards that will be compatible with Windows devices. While the company hasn’t revealed the exact markets where it would sell the SIM cards, Windows Store information about Cellular Data app mentions that the service will be available in domestic markets with international roaming in the pipeline.

The company explains on Windows Store: “Now you can buy and use mobile data at your own convenience. Purchase a plan via Windows Store anywhere network coverage is available”.

The company adds that Cellular Data app works solely with some particular Windows 10 devices and needs a Microsoft SIM card.

Features of Microsoft SIM card and Cellular Data app:

• Get online anywhere regardless of Wi-Fi availability.
• Purchase cellular data when and where you need it – no fixed contracts.
• Experience a more secure network using cellular connectivity.
• Get in control of cost and data usage by checking your balance in real-time.

While it would be unfair to compare the service directly to Google’s Project Fi, Microsoft is taking some inspiration from search engine giant and learning some new tricks to make things easier for its users. It’s possible that Microsoft is busy planning to enter into partnerships with mobile carriers to create its own mobile network.

Microsoft could also adopt a strategy similar to Apple’s own SIM cards for providing cheaper internet services.

About the launch date, partner carriers and pricing details, we’ll have to wait and see.

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