I was perusing Marketing Pilgrim this morning, and what did I find? A little article about some new Facebook rollout.
Oooh! Maybe we should newsjack this?
Oh no, my friends. The time for newsjacking is premature, it seems, because Facebook hasn't actually released any news yet. Except for, well, the fact that they're going to be releasing some news in the future. On January 15th, to be exact. In fact, they've already started inviting press to cover the event (my invite must have gotten lost in the mail).
So, it got me thinking ... just what is this new "thing" that Facebook is revealing? Is it a new feature? A new product or service? An acquisition? It got a lot of us here at HubSpot debating, so I thought I'd share some predictions (some silly, some serious) about what it could be. I hope you'll share your own in the comments, too!
Our Top Predictions for Facebook's Secret January 15th Announcement
1) Facebook to Release a Smartphone!
When I asked colleagues about this announcement, the first response I got was that there's been a ton of buzz on the internet about Facebook releasing its own smartphone (or maybe a landline?). Facebook has received a lot of negative feedback over its poor mobile usability -- from consumers and advertisers alike -- but they have been taking strides to improve it. For example, consumers recently got a "Share" button so they can share another friend's update on their mobile devices just like they would on a desktop. And advertisers have received mobile-only ad targeting, allowing targeting for users only when they're using Facebook from, well, a mobile device.
Since Facebook and the mobile world need to get closer and closer together, it's certainly a possibility, but I think most people are agreeing that Facebook releasing its own smartphone isn't too likely for the 15th, considering Zuckerberg himself denied it in July of 2012. But hey, that was over five months ago ... that's a long time in internet years.
2) Facebook Finally Enhances Much Adored 'Poke' Feature!
Because of public appeal, Facebook has invested millions of dollars and thousands of engineering man hours into the enhancement of its 'Poke' feature. On January 15th, users will be able to not only poke, but also pinch, flick, stroke, trip, slap, punch, or tickle a friend. Businesses will be able to do this to page fans, too.
3) Facebook Launches New Gaming Platform!
If you recall (I didn't, until I read some news over at ITWire), during its IPO, Facebook identified gaming company Zynga as a bit of a weak point. Since they've been trying to separate from one another, it's possible Facebook will announce that its built its own gaming platform on January 15th. A gaming platform would be one more way for Facebook to earn even more revenue, on top of their growing ad network.
4) Facebook Builds, Launches "Facebot!"
Facebook's been working on building an actual robot, available for purchase, that will follow you around and speak your status updates to you. This eliminates the need for people to spend all day scrolling through their Facebook News Feed to stay up to date on what their friends are posting. For a small monthly fee, robots will display the user's profile picture on its face.
If you'd like to stalk someone, simply speak the name of the friend to the robot, who will tell you what they're doing, where they're going, and who they've been talking to. If you have a private message, the robot will tap you on the shoulder and lean in for a whisper.
5) Facebook Unveils Site Redesign!
Facebook's release of Timeline last year was the talk of the town -- some people loved it, some hated it (probably more than "some," but consumers are always up in arms about Facebook's changes), but all of us probably have a couple pieces of feedback on the layout. It's plausible, and many are chattering about this, that Facebook is announcing another redesign. It's pretty unlikely a redesign would do away with Timeline; you might notice other social networks like Twitter and LinkedIn have adopted the horizontal cover photo because it is actually pretty sweet. Many are speculating it will do away with the two-column update layout we have on our current profiles and pages, and instead will replace one side with more tools and widgets.
There's also a possibility, however, that Facebook really will scrap the whole Timeline design and launch something totally out of left-field. After all, they've never been ones to fear experimentation and disruption.
6) Facebook Trades in Blue for Pink!
While its trademark blue has gotten them far, Facebook's an agile, forward-thinking company. They know when it's time to experiment, and embrace change. That's why, on January 15th, 2013, Mark Zuckerberg will announce that their social network will now be sporting a soft shade of baby pink in lieu of the blue we've all become accustomed to. To promote the new skin, Zuckerberg will also be trading in his bluish grayish hoodies for more of a pinkish purplish hue.
7) Facebook Launches Dating Site!
Ooooh, am I being silly or serious? A little bit of both, I suppose. Facebook has a ridiculous amount of intelligence about its users: music taste, favorite movies, hobbies, profession, education, location, sexual orientation, relationship status. Why not build the option for users to opt in to a paid dating site, bringing over their information from their profiles, and suggesting matches for one another based on that intelligence? Hey, it's not the most far-fetched idea to solve Facebook's monetization problems.
8) Beast Announced as New CEO of Facebook!
It would be foolish to think Mark Zuckerberg could run his Facebook empire forever. And it turns out he's found new adventures to pursue, and as a result, has named his lovable dog Beast as his successor. He's supremely qualified for the role, as he's been maintaining his own Facebook page for several years now, and has amassed over 1.3 million Likes.
9) Facebook Buys Google!
In a surprise twist in the M&A world, Facebook has purchased Google for eleventeen billion dollars. Facebook acknowledged the need for a better search function, which Google's nailed pretty well with their search algorithm, and Google acknowledged they were in over their head with Google+, and that it really isn't that different from Facebook at all.
10) Google Integrated Into Facebook Search Function!
It is true that Facebook's in need of a more robust, more accurate search function. In fact, this is what many of my colleagues settled on as a possible announcement on January 15th -- perhaps not Google integration into Facebook's search function, but a brand spankin'-new search function built by Facebook. If Facebook could truly nail social search, perhaps by using social signals such as Likes, shares, or even user and business tags, it would present a great opportunity for marketers who can figure out and nail SEO for Facebook.
What do you think Facebook's big announcement will be on January 15th? Do you think it will impact business, consumers, or both?
Image credit: Tsahi Levent-Levi
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FOAFann 4:24 PM on January 10, 2013
Love the article. Facebook announces Facebook-Bay in which users can buy/sell/barter/bid akin to e-bay.
Jason Klass 4:28 PM on January 10, 2013
I think the most likely of all of these is a site redesign. Probably going back to the single column and getting rid of timeline.
Cath 4:37 PM on January 10, 2013
Facebook redesign..? A few of my contacts are already affected by the changes. Nothing major so far.
http://mashable.com/2012/12/20/facebook-timeline-change/
Michael Dion 4:39 PM on January 10, 2013
Facebook will be announcing "the bartender" feature. It monitors the work you should be doing and cuts off your access to the news feed when it has decided you've been on too long.
Gwynn 4:51 PM on January 10, 2013
A built in platform that allows for a wider social media reach by incorporating Twitter, Linked-In, Pinterest, Stumble, Google+, Flickr, Digg, etc. etc. into their share function. Facebook is already a widely used and exceptional platform for sharing with friends, groups, family, and others who simply share your interests. Imagine how much more popular FB would be if users could share their finds, posts, pictures, etc. on a wider range - straight from FB? Of course, that might also be their version of Freddy Kruegers nightmare :-P
Samantha 4:52 PM on January 10, 2013
I think a dating site makes the most sense. Did you know some colleges have developed roommate apps??? You use the app to "hook up" with other people looking for roommates using thier facebook profiles and a specific set of qualifiers (i.e., how late they sleep, noise preferences, etc.). Of course, it'll have to be better than all the other dating sites out there because facebook is doing it.
Ludmilla Veloso 5:06 PM on January 10, 2013
I think they will become a search engine, a social search engine, I suppose.
Julie Townsend 5:21 PM on January 10, 2013
I am hoping for the Android version of Pages. It has launched in other countries, just not here yet. Probably not worthy of a "special" Jan. 15 announcement though.
Kathryn 5:52 PM on January 10, 2013
Facebook is getting into gifts and shipping, that suggests a possible alliance with Amazon which would horrify Google, Apple, and Microsoft all at one time.
alex 6:20 PM on January 10, 2013
Facebook finally announces a decent site search? About time too!!
Dave 6:22 PM on January 10, 2013
My wife comment with a chuckle was "Facebook is going to start charging for accounts"
LOL
I read it on the interwebz it must be true!!
;)
Scott Ayres - Post Planner 6:28 PM on January 10, 2013
I'm really hoping #4 is correct!! I could so use a Facebot!!!
But I think it's likely just the re-design that's already been leaked dealing with Timeline and possibly something to do with search.
Yogi 6:57 PM on January 10, 2013
Facebook will bankrupt!!
I Like beer 6:59 PM on January 10, 2013
Gaming could actually make some money and give some life to a deflated stock. An app-store type gaming interface could offer real revenue to developers and facebook.
That Literary Lady 8:04 PM on January 10, 2013
Great predictions, but I highly doubt #9 will happen!
Amanda 8:41 PM on January 10, 2013
would "punching" and "slapping" on facebook be the new way to girl fight?? lol
Elisse 10:16 PM on January 10, 2013
A "dislike" button. I know I've wanted one for years... Or even better, a "barf" button.
Julie McCullough Hale 1:28 AM on January 11, 2013
Facebook changes its name.
Nazmul Alam 3:51 AM on January 11, 2013
There will be some impacts on business if Facebook really rolls out something new on January 15. Specially Smartphone, Poke feature , redesign of their site and new search feature may change the overall scenario and Facebook may gain some more credibility. And we the consumers are looking forward to that date and adopt ourselves according to that.
Tony 7:53 AM on January 11, 2013
Quote:
"While its trademark blue has gotten them far, Facebook's an agile, forward-thinking company. They know when it's time to experiment, and embrace change. That's why, on January 15th, 2012, Mark Zuckerberg will announce that their social network will now be sporting a soft shade of baby pink in lieu of the blue we've all become accustomed to."
When?
Oooops! :-D
Jonathan Girouard 8:18 AM on January 11, 2013
I think the number 6 is kind of ridiculous. There is no way Facebook is going to change his branding color to adopt something like a pinkish color... Anyways, just a thought here.
Corey Eridon 8:53 AM on January 11, 2013
Haha @Tony good catch! I think I put 2012 on my rent check, too. #oops
Veronica 9:10 AM on January 11, 2013
I've heard of a possible feature where people can message each other and the content of that message would disappear "forever" within a matter of moments. This would basically create the ability to chat with people without worrying about it being stored forever or coming back to haunt you. I am not sure if this is what they would launching exactly, but a new way to message in the platform could be interesting.
Good Apple 9:37 AM on January 11, 2013
Ooooh! Charging for accounts?
AndreaD 10:02 AM on January 11, 2013
@Veronica - that could be a very bad idea. Google "Orange Textgate" for one example why.
walter weeks 11:44 AM on January 11, 2013
I believe they will announce a new phone, we have been waiting for this announcement for a long time
Mike Klein 3:19 PM on January 11, 2013
Facebook will be announcing a VOIP service...
Ken Horst 3:44 PM on January 11, 2013
I think Facebook will announce an Ad Free option for a small monthly fee
Selena 3:57 PM on January 11, 2013
Wishful thinking . . . they will no longer force business pages to pay to have their fans see all posts.
jeffrey obront 4:47 PM on January 11, 2013
They let the cat out of the bag in a couple of lines they posted back in December... I later saw an article on the subject and have seen nothing since. Here it is: NEW DIRECTED ADS VIA YOUR FACEBOOK MESSENGER! From the Facebook News announcement, December 20, 2012: "Today we’re starting a small experiment to test the usefulness of economic signals to determine relevance." http://www.tlnt.com/2013/01/02/facebooks-directed-ads-a-game-changer-for-how-we-recruit-talent/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=linkedin&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+tlnt+%28TLNT%3A+The+Business+of+HR%29
edward 7:48 PM on January 11, 2013
Was this a serious post? The last few prediction seem pretty ridiculous to me. There's no way FB can buy someone like Google. The other way around is more plausible. Facebook is also already integrated with Bing for it's search engine of choice so unless that contract expired, they cannot move to Google. On top of that, Since Google launched Google+, there is no way Google would integrate with a competing social network.
Ricardo Lisboa 10:19 PM on January 11, 2013
A kind of online Office integration, just like Google Drive.
MC 10:56 PM on January 11, 2013
Facebook will by Google or Google will buy it. ;p
Moe80s 3:00 AM on January 12, 2013
Facebook will announce target behavior ads using google behavior platform!
Facebook launches Facebook ad network.
What ever it is, it's definitely money related service
StoneOz 9:50 AM on January 12, 2013
obviously it will be mandatory rfid for facebook , no rfid chip in ur forhead & no fb ,. - sorry about that' as youtube likes to say & ofc will do same thing same time with google. absolute power corrupts absoultely ,.would b nice if was handed back into hands of the pplo tht helped to build it , frm the hands of those tht bought it with fake paper money to farm n harm for more fake unbacked money ,control & etc ^^.. ofc its prolly juz $5 mth not to get plastered with ads or sum bs.. funny how they continually change the contract & breach the public trust given to it.
Amanda 9:53 AM on January 12, 2013
A little mix of business and pleasure ... Facebook and LinkedIn unite.
shelley weston 10:32 AM on January 12, 2013
I don't know what is really going on here on face book. I did like the new time line. I think if you start charging for it though you would loose a lot of fans, (may be not business'es though) it's a great way to let every one know about your business and i like how you can share a page with your friends to help them with getting advertising out there. all i know is i really like face book, it's a great way to keep in touch with family and friends. plus it helps keep people informed of God and our savior Jesus Christ. There's a lot of a little bit of everything. How ever if there is going to be a charge to keep face book i probably would not pay for it. It's free and that's what makes it great for anybody that uses it. with our economy and all. It's become a habit for me to turn fbk on first thing in the morning to wish my friends happy birthday. I don't usually say a whole lot but i like a lot of what people have to say on here. I also enjoy putting picture's of my grand daughter's on here just to show how beautiful they are and like other friends pic.s Change is always good but for the better only. one more thing, i think if people use fowl language on their link's it shouldn't be aloud, not crap or even shit, but the f word and the G D word.
Anon 11:40 AM on January 12, 2013
You write such sensationalist crap to cause false excitement. On top of it all you lack originality. Honestly? Like any common sense ever get transfered to your DNA from your parents? You people keep plaguerising each others ideas, you waste my time. What happened to good joirnalidm?
Renee Chemel 9:18 AM on January 14, 2013
What would a Facebook phone look like? A LIKE phone? That would be totally cool - easy to hold? Sure - why not!
vitafor.me 3:15 PM on January 14, 2013
It will be FB w/ integrated Skype and Bing.
hortencia hernandes 8:06 PM on January 16, 2013
All this sounds great....
maybe they will come out with allowing facebookers to choose a background for their timeline...:)
Jaclyn 2:15 PM on January 17, 2013
I had heard talk about new things happening with Facebook, but I never would have thought of a lot of these ideas happening, a lot of great ideas! The whole new poke thing has sort of come and gone, it just never launched to something big and no one really picked up on it, do many people still even use the 'poke' button? I think it would be a change for them to change the color of Facebook, but having it the blue it has been for how long I do not think they will change it now sadly enough. I did hear things about Google joining with a social network, but then what would happen to igoogle? would it all just be one? And how many times has facebook already changed their design? I mean by the time I get use to one, they change it again. I enjoyed this blog. It got me thinking about things that could change with Facebook yet again!