Facebook Groups 9.0

Mark Zuckerberg’s desire to split the Facebook app into as many individual pieces as possible is once again present as the company launched a new mobile app, this time around for Groups.

The Facebook CEO once said that he believes mobile apps should do one thing well, and putting everything together into a single tool, like the original Facebook app did, isn’t exactly the way to go. That is, he said, the purpose behind introducing the Facebook Messenger, and it’s surely the reason behind Facebook Groups.

Easy access to Groups

The app allows you to see all your groups from the social network in the same place. You can easily access each and every one of them, discuss, plan and collaborate easily. From the main screen you’ll be able to see them all in rows after rows of bubbles, depending on how many groups you’re actually part of.

You’ll also notice that most of them have a blue tag with a number inside, indicating just how many new messages you’ll find there. Just like on the web version, when there are more than 20 new posts, you won’t get an exact number.

The app is extremely easy to handle and moves lightning fast, which is obviously great. It’s also intuitive enough that you won’t need anyone holding your hand too much.

Same usability as on the web

When you open a group, you can check out the number of members, add new ones, write posts and share photos, while also checking out the posts made by other members. In order to close the group, you can click the “X” in the top left corner or swipe it to the right.

Tapping on the three dots in the top right corner will get you more information on the group, including quick access to the posted pictures, the description. It’s also possible to fiddle with some of the settings. For instance, you can add the group the home screen and edit the notifications, such as telling the app when to send you notifications and whether to activate push notifications or not.

Another screen in the app will give you access to said notifications, although unlike what you’ll get on the regular Facebook app, these will be curated to only include those related to groups. Pulling down the screen will refresh the page.

Users of the app can go search for other members of the groups they’re members in and to quickly find them as they type. They can also manage notifications more easily thanks to a series of updated settings.

If you’re a group admin you’ll also notice that it’s easier to block people who are requesting to join the group while on the go upon seeing the basic info on each individual.

Check your groups, discover new ones or make your own

The Facebook Groups app also enables you to discover new groups that you might want to join or create a new one. The creation process is pretty easy to go through and allows you to pick one of seven categories. For instance, you can put together a group of family members, close friends, one dedicated to travel planning, couples, sales, or even a support group for various issues.

Adding a photograph, providing a name and choosing what type of group to create (secret, closed, or public) are the only steps you need to take in the first stage. Then, you can add people to the group and customize it once everything else is done.

All in all, Facebook Groups is everything you’d expect from this particular tool if you’ve ever used the feature on the social network.

Portable version:

• Facebook Groups for Android