Facebook for Android version 1.7 is out

Facebook has updated its native Android mobile app. You can grab version 1.7 now from Google's Android Market.

Here is the official changelog for Facebook for Android 1.7:

• New features:
  • Made it easier to share with who you want.
  • Improved the sharing tool to add privacy controls on posts and match your settings on the website.
  • Added the ability to tag friends and places in posts.
  • Added new design for Profile and Group Walls.

• Fixes and tweaks:
  • Improved photo browsing with swiping.
  • Added the ability to tag your friends in photos.
  • Improved Messages and Notifications.
  • Fixed a number of crashes and performance issues.

One of the most notable changes in this version is the support of Android 3.x (codenamed Honeycomb), which means that Facebook users finally have an alternative to the browser when using the social network on their tablets. Unfortunately, while version 1.7 can run on Honeycomb tablets, it still does not feature a tablet-optimized user interface.

Still, the update is a rather big one, particularly in the visual department. Your Facebook Profile and your Facebook Groups should now look even more familiar, and the sharing options as well as the privacy controls you have access have been tweaked to be similar to what's new in the desktop browser.

Other UI enhancements include a pull-down refresh for the News Feed, a revamped status update composer, and left and right swiping in photo albums. The app also finally lets you tag friends in photos, places, and posts.

Facebook for Android 1.7 requires Android 1.5 (codenamed Cupcake) or later. Some features, especially those that are more closely integrated with Google's mobile OS, require Android 2.2 (codenamed Froyo).

See also:

• Facebook by mobile platform: iPhone first, Android second
• Facebook launches Facebook Messenger app for Android, iPhone
• Leaked: Facebook Messenger to get video calling
• Check in to Facebook Places from your watch