The internet is going wild over the news coming out of Facebook: F8 Developer Conference.
Love it or hate it, your profile is about to change to the new Timeline layout. It seems like year after year when Zuckerberg changes something everyone is up in arms. This time is no different.
I never thought I would say this, but I actually like this new profile change. If you’re interested in trying out the new profile for yourself, read on for a step by step guide to activate it.
Activating Facebook Timeline Profile: So Easy A Caveman Could Do It
1. Activate developer mode
Activate Developer app by searching for ‘Developer’ and activating the app. You will have to grant access to your profile data and so forth for it to work. Once you activate it, it should drop you into the app builder screen. If not, click here.
2. Configure Your App
Go through and name your app and make sure to click back into that app after you have created it. It will show the name of your app in the upper portion of the window as in the example screenshot.
3. Get Started With Open Graph
You have to define your Open Graph actions. This is where it gets a little tricky – but all you really want is access to your Timeline profile right? Go through and use most of the default settings. Return to your profile page once you’ve completed the 3 pages of settings. In a few minutes you should get a notification that your Timeline profile is ready to configure.
Configure Your New Timeline Profile
There’s a lot going on in the new Timeline layout.
I captured the step by step tour that Facebook walks you through. It can be a little overwhelming at first, so make sure you have time to kill to set this up. I did learn that only other users marked as a developer will see your new profile. Not until your beta enters live stage will normal users see the fruits of your labor.
Step 1: The Cover
Goodbye tiled images!
The cover allows you to upload a highres photo to really feature yourself. I really like this touch. It’s going to allow even more creativity and personalization for individuals and business alike.
Step 2: Everything In One Place
Nice layout to give visitors a quick summary of what you’re all about. I’m not sure how well it will work with trying to put all the info into one row – but it’s looking good for now. As we collect more data I wonder how well it will scale?
Step 3: Timeline Of Your Top Stories
This is where it gets good.
Notice the vertical timeline on the right and the timeline right down the middle? These are the visual representations of the time passed and how they connect to our most featured top stories. As you scroll through the timeline a mashup of likes, friend requests, updates, photos, links and videos will appear.
The extra attention to detail in this feature really makes it worth while.
Step 4: Star It
Here’s your chance to change history.
Well, at least your history.
Go through your timeline and star or remove any piece of content you want. Useful to remove those embarrassing friend requests or to highlight awesome photos in your gallery.
Love or Hate The New Facebook Changes?
The cold hard truth is, we don’t have a choice.
Facebook is changing and with change comes rejection. I’ve had a blog post drafted for the last 6 months about how I don’t see Facebook innovating at all. I even mentioned that I was happy Google+ came along to compete with them.
Well that has all changed today.
With the slick new features of the timeline profile and the upcoming promise of Open Graph – I think they are finally on to something.
What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear them in the comments below!