Facebook announces simpler mobile logins, Deals, and location API

Facebook's mobile event today didn't give us the rumored Facebook phone, but it did introduce three important new pieces in Facebook's mobile strategy: a one-click sign-on option, location APIs for checking into Facebook Places from third-party apps, and a deals platform for businesses and their customers. Places also made its debut in Facebook's Android app.

Facebook is pushing to make its app platform more popular and easier to use on mobile devices, starting with a one-click sign-on option for Android and iPhone. Single sign-on means you won't have to enter your Facebook login and password every time you want to use an app that integrates with Facebook. Instead, you'll just hit an "authorize" button and go.

Single sign-on complements the second of today's announcement: Facebook's new Places Checkin API. With single sign-on and the Places Checkin API, apps like Foursquare, Loopt and Yelp will let you connect with Facebook in one click, and then send your checkins to Facebook. Instead of just appearing in your stream like any other app activity, these checkins will be integrated into Facebook Places, so you'll be able to see where all your friends are checked in (and vice versa), regardless of which location-based apps you each use.

Facebook Places is also getting a Foursquare-like "Deals" feature, allowing businesses to offer deals to anyone who checks in there. Setting up deals is an easy, one-page process for businesses, and it's a one-click process for users to claim a deal. It will also let businesses integrate their loyalty cards with Facebook, creating a digital version of those "buy 10, get one free" punchcards.

Tags: android, checkin, facebook, mobile, places, socialnetworking