Facebook is on cordial terms with Google for now, but in case the relationship goes sour, the social networking giant already has a contingency plan, says a report from the The Information. Android is one of biggest markets for Facebook with over 200 million users in 2013, but the social network is finding ways to lower its dependence on this Google-controlled platform.
Preparing for the worst case scenario
Currently, the only way available for the social networking giant to offer Android device users app updates is through the Google Play Store, but the company has now developed a way to deliver app updates without the need of going through the Play Store, the report says.
It also has a way of handling in-app payments, which is presently handled by Google. Facebook’s app will be capable of sending notifications to users without going through Google’s system. Though Facebook executives believe that Google will not have a change of heart in the near future, the plans have been put in place to be on the safe side just in case it just happens.
Previously also the social network has worked on many methods to figure out a way it can work on Android, including creating its own skin called Facebook Home. The project was not successful.
Facebook tests user loyalty
For years, Facebook has also been testing the loyalty of its users by crashing its Android app for several hours. By doing so, the company tracks users to see whether they keep returning to the app or give up on it. Loyalty is a key indicator of future success for many apps, including Facebook.
Citing a source, The Information said users were so hooked on the app that despite the errors, they kept coming back to the app. Some users even tried to access the platform on their mobile browser when the app didn’t work, the report said. Presently, the social network has four apps among the top 10 apps on Google Play in both the U.S. and the U.K.: WhatsApp, Messenger, Facebook and Instagram.
On Monday, Facebook shares closed down 2.33% at $102.22. In 2015, the stock gained more than 30%, while in the last one month, it has fallen almost 4%. In premarket trading today, the stock was trading down.
