Undoubtedly, Facebook remains the dominant force in the social media realm, boasting a staggering three billion active users as of Q2 2023. Yet, amid Facebook’s prominence, one might ponder if there’s an improved way to engage with the platform. Enter Facebook Touch. But what distinguishes it? Are there discernible advantages over the conventional Facebook app? And are there any constraints? This comprehensive guide holds all the answers.
What is Facebook Touch?
Facebook Touch, introduced by H5 Apps in 2009, is a third-party application crafted for users who favor engaging with the platform through touchscreen devices.
While accessible on iOS and Android devices, and even on desktops, although less optimally, this app is often hailed as an alternative and more visually appealing means of experiencing the Facebook platform.
It’s important to mention that Facebook Touch is not directly downloadable from official app stores like Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. To acquire it, one must obtain an APK file and proceed with the download using a browser (more details on this shortly).
Key Features of Facebook Touch
Curious about what sets Facebook Touch apart? Explore its standout features:
- Seamless Interface: Experience smooth navigation with minimal lag, even on weaker internet connections.
- High-Quality Visuals: Immerse yourself in stunning visuals, enhancing the browsing of photos and videos on the platform.
- Advanced Community Management: Engage in socializing, networking, and content interaction through accessible groups and communities.
- Cross-Platform Support: Download it on both iOS and Android devices, providing convenience on mobile and desktop.
- User-Friendly Interface: With superior visuals and full-screen immersion, it is optimized for touchscreen devices, ensuring a pleasant navigation experience.
- Large Photo Dimensions: Ideal for photographers and visual artists, the app allows high-resolution photo uploads and viewing.
- Quick Navigation Menu: Swiftly access various features and tools with the user-friendly quick navigation menu.
- Lower Data and Memory Usage: Unlike the Facebook app, Facebook Touch consumes less data and memory, making it optimal for slower devices or poor internet connections.
Distinguishing Facebook Touch from the Facebook App
While both Facebook Touch and the Facebook app serve the common goal of connecting people, they diverge in significant aspects. Let’s delve into these disparities:
User Interface and Design
Facebook Touch boasts an intuitive and visually appealing interface, particularly enjoyable for touchscreen users. In contrast, the Facebook app can feel cluttered with an abundance of tools and features, potentially overwhelming users.
Performance and Speed
Optimized for efficiency, the app runs faster and consumes less data than the Facebook app. Its lightweight design ensures smooth operation, even in areas with poor internet connectivity. The Facebook app, while comprehensive, may be slower, especially on older devices or in low-connectivity situations.
Image Quality and Display
Users on Facebook Touch experience higher-quality images and enhanced displays, especially on touchscreen devices. The Facebook app provides a satisfactory image and video viewing experience but might lack the same level of touchscreen optimization.
Functionality and Features
Facebook Touch offers a streamlined experience but may lack certain advanced features present in the official Facebook app, such as Facebook Live or Marketplace. The official app provides access to the platform’s full range of tools and features.
Security and Official Support
Being a third-party application, it lacks official support from Meta, potentially raising concerns about security and data privacy. The official Facebook app, developed and maintained by Meta, ensures a higher level of security and data privacy compared to third-party alternatives.
Constraints of Facebook Touch
While there are lots of advantages, it does come with limitations, including:
- Lack of Extra Security Features: Facebook Touch lacks additional security features compared to the official app.
- Difficulty in Switching: Users accustomed to the regular Facebook app may find it challenging to transition to this app due to subtle differences.
- Compatibility Issues: the app may encounter compatibility problems with specific features introduced in the latest official app updates, potentially resulting in missing out on newer functionalities or improvements.
Is It Worth It?
The worth of Facebook Touch depends on individual preferences. If you seek an uncluttered, visually appealing experience and use outdated devices or have a slow internet connection, this may be worth considering. However, for those desiring access to advanced features, especially for business purposes, sticking with the official Facebook app is recommended. Marketers, business owners, or entrepreneurs wanting tools like Facebook Live or Marketplace should opt for the official app, known for its comprehensive features.
Nevertheless, there’s no need to choose between the two. You can install and use both apps based on your current needs, requirements, and preferences.
How to Install Facebook Touch
Ready to give this a shot? As mentioned earlier, you won’t find Facebook Touch on the Play Store or Apple App Store. To get it on your device, you’ll need to obtain an APK file (similar to a zip file) and extract and download it from there. Follow these steps to download it on your device:
- Step 1: Adjust authorization settings on your device to allow app installation from unverified sources. Go to your phone settings and enable installation from unknown browsers.
- Step 2: Search for Facebook Touch using your web browser. Open your preferred browser, use a search engine like Google, and type “download Facebook Touch” in the search box.
- Step 3: Choose the correct APK file. From the search results, select the APK file from a reliable source to ensure application safety. Avoid downloading files from unfamiliar or suspicious websites to protect your device from potential security threats.
- Step 4: Once you’ve selected an APK file, tap the download button.
- Step 5: After downloading the APK file, you’ll have the option to install the application. Click “Install” and follow the provided instructions. Congratulations! You now have Facebook Touch installed!
How to Log In
After successfully installing Facebook Touch, use these steps to log in:
- Step 1: Launch the Facebook Touch app on your mobile device.
- Step 2: Enter your Facebook account credentials, including your email address or phone number and password.
- Step 3: Click the Login button to access your Facebook account.
How to Log Out
To log out of Facebook Touch, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Open the app on your device.
- Step 2: Locate the three lines on the upper right corner of the main page and tap on them.
- Step 3: Scroll down to find and select Settings.
- Step 4: Click Log Out at the bottom of the page.
You’ll receive a prompt to confirm the logout. Click Log Out again to confirm. Note that logging out of Facebook Touch only affects the application, not your account on other devices. To log out from all devices, repeat these steps for each.
How to Send Messages
For sending direct messages on Facebook, download the Messenger app, the official platform for messaging friends. Once installed, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Open the Messenger app on your device.
- Step 2: Log in to your Facebook account.
- Step 3: Click the new message button or search for the recipient.
- Step 4: Enter your message in the chat box, and you can add emojis, photos, and videos.
- Step 5: After composing your message, tap the send button to send it to the recipient.