14 DAY TRIAL // Nexus S devices are currently being upgraded to the Android 2.3.3 platform version, which brings forth a nice range of changes, including better NFC capabilities, but also some changes that might not be approved by all users, including disabled contact syncing in Facebook for Android.
Basically, this means that will no longer be able to provide the social network's stored contact information to Nexus S devices.
Apparently, what Google did was to reinstate the official rules, according to which apps have to use Android's contacts API, Engadget explains.
Facebook had special privileges, which allowed it to leave its contacts in the cloud, but it seems that things have been changed with the new Android platform release.
“We believe it is very important that users are able to control their data. So in the over-the-air update for Nexus S, we have a small change to how Facebook contacts appear on the device,” Google states.
“For Nexus S users who downloaded the Facebook app from Android Market, Facebook contacts will no longer appear to be integrated with the Android Contacts app.
“Since Facebook contacts cannot be exported from the device, the appearance of integration created a false sense of data portability,” they continue.
Google also notes that the Facebook contact data will be available within the Facebook app.
Facebook can use the Android contacts API to provide users with integrated contacts on the device, offering users the possibility to better control their data.
The Mountain View-based Internet giant explained that the move will affect Nexus S and future lead devices.
“We continue to believe that reciprocity (the expectation that if information can be imported into a service it should be able to be exported) is an important step toward creating a world of true data liberation and encourage other websites and app developers to allow users to export their contacts as well,” Google concluded.