It looks like Google has decided to remove the Facebook Sync feature in the Nexus S Gingerbread update, which is currently being rolled out to Nexus S devices.
Google has removed the Facebook Sync feature because of the way users’ contact lists are handled, and you can see the statement from Google below which explains why the feature has been removed.
We believe it is very important that users are able to control their data. So in the over-the-air update for Nexus S, we have a small change to how Facebook contacts appear on the device. For Nexus S users who downloaded the Facebook app from Android Market, Facebook contacts will no longer appear to be integrated with the Android Contacts app. Since Facebook contacts cannot be exported from the device, the appearance of integration created a false sense of data portability. Facebook contact data will continue to appear within the Facebook app.
Understanding the Change
The decision to remove Facebook Sync from the Nexus S Gingerbread update is rooted in data portability and user control. Previously, Facebook contacts appeared to be seamlessly integrated with the Android Contacts app, giving users the impression that their Facebook contacts were part of their phone’s native contact list. However, this integration was somewhat misleading. Unlike other contacts, Facebook contacts could not be exported from the device, which meant that users did not have full control over their data. By removing this feature, Google aims to clarify the distinction between native contacts and those imported from third-party apps like Facebook.
This change means that while Facebook contacts will still be accessible, they will only be available within the Facebook app itself. Users will no longer see these contacts in their Android Contacts app, which could lead to a more streamlined and less cluttered contact list. However, it also means that users will need to switch between apps to access different sets of contacts.
Implications for Users
For users, this change has several implications. Firstly, it emphasizes the importance of understanding where and how their data is stored. With the removal of Facebook Sync, users will need to be more mindful of managing their contacts across different platforms. This could be seen as a step towards greater transparency and control over personal data, aligning with broader trends in data privacy and user rights.
On the downside, this change might be inconvenient for those who enjoyed the seamless integration of their Facebook contacts with their Android Contacts app. Users who frequently communicate with their Facebook contacts may find it cumbersome to switch between the Facebook app and their phone’s native contact list. However, this inconvenience is balanced by the increased clarity and control over their contact data.
Additionally, this move could prompt other app developers to reconsider how they handle data integration and portability. As users become more aware of these issues, there may be increased demand for apps that offer greater transparency and control over personal data.
It looks like you will store your Facebook contacts alongside your Android contact list, but if you remove your Facebook account from your device, the Facebook contact list will also be removed. This means that users who decide to unlink their Facebook account from their Nexus S will no longer have access to their Facebook contacts on the device, reinforcing the separation between native and third-party contact data.
Overall, while the removal of Facebook Sync from the Nexus S Gingerbread update may initially seem like a step backward in terms of convenience, it represents a significant step forward in terms of data transparency and user control. By making this change, Google is encouraging users to take a more active role in managing their personal data and ensuring that they have a clear understanding of where and how their information is stored.
via TFTS
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