Will Facebook's New Paper App for News Feeds Be Deployed on Google Glass?

Facebook's latest initiative, Paper, marks a significant departure from its current news feed paradigm. Introduced specifically for iOS 7, this application builds upon the new design principles and interactive features of the iOS operating system. However, questions have arisen regarding its potential deployment on Google Glass, a futuristic device with a distinct form factor and unique user interface challenges.

Introducing Paper: A New iOS Experience

Facebook's Paper app is designed to offer a fresh, full-screen experience for news consumption. Leveraging the new capabilities introduced by iOS 7, such as Dynamic Behaviors for Views, Paper sports a clean, user-friendly interface filled with interactive transitions and animations. These elements contribute to a more engaging and immersive user experience, setting it apart from traditional iOS applications.

Behind the Scenes: iOS 7 Features

Under the hood, the smooth transition and animation effects seen in Paper are powered by the new additions to the UIKit framework, including Dynamic Behaviors for Views. These features form a critical part of the iOS 7 redesign, and Facebook has embraced them wholeheartedly in its Paper application. For more details on these groundbreaking features, refer to the following resources:

Based on this principle, Facebook has integrated iOS 7's user interface and interactive elements into Paper seamlessly. This explains why Paper is currently available exclusively on iOS 7, and it has no direct plans to launch on other platforms without undergoing a significant redesign.

Origami: Designing with Transitions and Animations

In its quest to simplify the process of designing interfaces using these interactive elements, Facebook has released Origami, a plugin for Quartz Composer. This tool allows developers and designers to prototype and design user interfaces using transitions and animations without the need for coding. Origami's availability makes it an intriguing tool for developers looking to enhance user engagement with innovative designs.

Google Glass Considerations and Future Plans

Given the distinct nature of Google Glass, it is natural to wonder if Facebook plans to adapt its Paper app for this platform. While there is no official word on this yet, it is unlikely that the current Paper app will find its way to Google Glass in its current form. Instead, Facebook is likely to create a new application specifically tailored to the unique interface and use cases of Google Glass.

Facebook is methodically planning its strategies for various platforms by first gathering user feedback on Paper's iOS 7 version. The company has highlighted that the app is currently available only for iPhone users in the United States and is actively seeking user feedback. According to the recent announcement, Facebook is not yet considering an international rollout or an Android version without such feedback.

Based on these developments, it is reasonable to assume that any Google Glass application from Facebook would leverage the existing libraries and technologies available on the Android SDK. This approach would ensure a smoother and more intuitive user experience, aligning with the unique design and functionality requirements of Google Glass.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Facebook's Paper app presents a compelling and innovative user experience on iOS 7, its deployment on Google Glass is far from certain. Any future adaptation would likely involve significant redesign to cater to the unique functionalities and interface of Google Glass. The company's cautious approach, focused on gathering user feedback, suggests that a more tailored application is in the works, rather than a direct port of the current Paper app.

Keywords: Facebook Paper, iOS 7, Google Glass