Facebook Desktop for AIR

Pros

• Simple download and installation process
• See Facebook's timeline without having to open a web browser
• A lightweight program that doesn't utilize too many resources

Cons

• Only provides access to the timeline and nothing else whatsoever
• Clicked links open a new window through the default web browser
• The user interface is dated and lackluster

Facebook Desktop For AIR provides access to a user's Facebook Timeline. The Timeline is displayed in a standalone program window. Therefore, users no longer need to access the social media platform through their web browsers. Knocking out this extra step saves time and provides added convenience, in theory. Limited functionality hampers the usefulness of this particular program, and users may not appreciate its limited features. Nonetheless, the underlying concept behind the program solves a common problem.

What Facebook Desktop For AIR Gets Right

Upon installation, Facebook Desktop For AIR launches into a single window. A user logs into their existing Facebook account with their login credentials. The program then displays the Timeline for that account in the window. Also, a text box and a share button present themselves atop the program at all times. It's a simple setup that works well because users are presented with the information they care most about: their timelines. Separating Facebook from the web browser is an excellent idea in theory.

What Facebook Desktop For AIR Gets Wrong

Perhaps Facebook Desktop For AIR oversimplifies things too much here. Users cannot comment on timeline posts without leaving the program. Likewise, clicking on a link brings up the default web browser, and there's no access to other Facebook features. If a user wants to launch Messenger, they'll have to use a web browser or mobile device. The simple nature of the program leads to issues that defeat its main purpose. It doesn't help that creating and sharing a post is limited to text within the program.

The Final Verdict On This Program

Undoubtedly, Facebook Desktop For AIR features a sound concept. Not everyone wants to access Facebook by opening a web browser. Showcasing the platform's main features in a small program window is a novel idea. However, execution is poor here as functionality is limited, and most actions result in a browser window popping up. Better solutions are available, and the program sometimes makes using a browser an easier experience. Nothing is worse than defeating the purpose of the program with the program's main downsides.

Facebook Desktop For AIR features a lot of potential. Various improvements could be made to improve the program and make it more useful. In the end, too many pitfalls exist with this program to recommend it to the masses. Better solutions are available, whether we're talking about desktop experiences or mobile devices. The fact that most actions result in a browser window launching is unacceptable here. Potential users are better off sticking to their web browsers to access Facebook, or finding a similar program with more features.

Pros

• Simple download and installation process
• See Facebook's timeline without having to open a web browser
• A lightweight program that doesn't utilize too many resources

Cons

• Only provides access to the timeline and nothing else whatsoever
• Clicked links open a new window through the default web browser
• The user interface is dated and lackluster