Facebook is testing a new feature that will give mobile app users something new to read whether they have internet access or not.
The new mode offline/slow connection mode will show previously downloaded, unread content whenever a Facebook user refreshes their news feed.
The company will order the unread stories in terms of their perceived rank and relevance. If the connection is slow or intermittent, the app may not prioritise stores with images.
Facebook reasons that there’ll always be some unread content to call upon due to most users not scrolling all the way through when they’re reading the News Feed.
The company says it is also testing a feature which would “keep these stories up to date throughout the day by periodically retrieving new stories when you have a good connection.”
In a post on the Facebook Code blog the company said: “
In addition, the company is shipping a smaller change that will enable mobile app users to compost comments even when they’re offline.
See also: Facebook 360-degree videos: What you need to know
“For example, if you see a post about a friend’s engagement when you’re not connected to the internet, you can compose a congratulatory comment, and it will appear on his or her post when you’re back online,” the blog read.
So, if you’re stuck in a signal black hole, rest assured your addiction to social media can now be served through previously unread content and the ability to comment on it.
The company didn’t reveal exactly when the update is hitting all devices, other than to say the features are being ‘tested.’
We’ll keep you posted if we spot the features.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
