Facebook delivers long-awaited iPad-optimised app

Facebook has released an update to its application for the Apple iOS platform, a move that the company hopes will improve use of the social networking service on the iPad tablet.

The company said the updated application would add a number of navigation and browsing features for iOS devices, particularly the iPad.

The application will offer improved viewing and navigation of photo albums, including support for touch and swipe gestures when navigating photos and news feeds.

Additionally, the Facebook iOS application will feature support for full-screen applications, user chat and a new navigation menu that will be placed on the left side of the user's screen.

"Your games, apps, groups and lists are in the left-hand menu, so you don't have to dig around to find the stuff you use most," said Facebook engineer Leon Dubinsky in a blog post announcing the release.

"And your messages and notifications are at the top of every screen, so you can respond to friends and keep up with important updates, without losing your place."

The release comes as both social networking platforms and tablet devices are taking on a larger role in the enterprise space. IT departments have been forced to re-think their approach to areas such as security and service delivery as end-users increasingly seek to use their personal mobile devices for business use.

Additionally, social networking platforms are posing new challenges to the enterprise. While platforms such as Facebook can help maintain productivity and provide new ways to connect with customers, social networking sites can also leave employees vulnerable to data harvesting and malware attacks.