Messages and Events Now Integrated With Facebook Page Plugin

Facebook has introduced two new features for the Facebook Page plugin: messages and events.

With the integration of Messages with the Page plugin, people can now easily message your business without ever leaving your website. This allows you to bring the conversations you have with people on Facebook to other places on the web and on mobile.

For example, if you're a local shop owner, people can start a dialogue about a purchase order on your Facebook Page or on your website via the messages tab.

Below is a sample integration on desktop view of my blog :

With events in the Page plugin, people can now discover and interact with events from your Page, right on your website.

For example, if you're promoting an upcoming concert, you can create an event from your Page and feature it on your website, while managing the details from one place.

Key features include:

• One place to manage event details: Any modifications you make to the event on your Facebook Page will automatically be reflected on your website within the Page plugin.
• Subscribe functionality: People can now subscribe to your events directly from your website, and they'll be notified whenever you create a new event in their area.
• A more social events calendar: People who are connected to your Page can now see 
which of their friends are going to the same event, bringing social context to the event calendar on your website.
• A localized experience: For events being organized in multiple cities, the most relevant event will be highlighted for a given person based on where he or she is located.

Check out the developer documentation here for details on how to easily implement this functionality.

If you already have the Facebook plugin on your blog, all you need to do is to add the attribute below to the code.

data-tabs="timeline,events,messages"

Note:

data-tabs=“messages, events" will display "messages" tab before events and timeline (posts from the Page's timeline) will be hidden. 

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FAN Ads Now Let You Earn Money From Your Mobile WebSites

Facebook has announced the expansion of the Audience Network to include support for mobile web, bringing the value of native ad formats and people-based marketing to a new set of publishers and enabling 2.5 million Facebook advertisers to reach more of the people they care about on mobile devices.

What this simply means, is that publishers can now monetize their high-quality content with Facebook ads and advertisers can now expand their campaigns beyond Facebook, mobile apps and into mobile websites.

Prior to the announcement, Facebook Audience Network (FAN) only allowed app developers to monetize their mobile apps by tapping into Facebook's powerful advertising platform. Now that it has been extended to mobile web, you can now monetize your iOS and Android apps, as well as mobile websites with targeted ads.

With Facebook Audience Network (FAN), you can now get instant access to diverse demand from 2.5M Facebook advertisers. Facebook takes care of showing the right ad to the right person - improving your user experience and maximizing your revenue potential.

Unlike other networks, the Audience Network rewards quality publishers based on the value they create for advertisers.

Facebook Audience Network Ad Types

The Audience Network gives publishers and developers the option to choose between three different ad units: banners, interstitials and native ads.

All three ad units have access to the same great targeting and advertisers, since the ads are automatically rendered to fit the unit you chose. 

For mobile websites publishers, you can choose from high performing native ad units, 300x250 medium rectangle, and 320x50 banners to deliver ads from Audience Network. Each format is a simple JavaScript integration into your mobile website.

It is worthy of note that Facebook interstitials ads are not available for mobile web i.e for apps only. 

You can check out FAN ad examples here. 

I have joined the audience network for mobile web and now displaying the Facebook banner ad and native test ad on my mobile tech blog - mobilitaria.com pending final approval. 

Below is the FAN native test ad on below the posts on the blog :

You might not see the test ads until it's fully approved by Facebook. Only admins of my Facebook mobile website can see them while pending approval. 

Facebook Audience Network Payment

Payments are extracted when you accumulate at least $100 in revenue. You'll receive payments on the 21st of each month for the previous month's balance.

Facebook Audience Network Policies

In order to ensure that publishers are offering a high quality advertising experience, Facebook requires that all apps serving Facebook ads are in compliance with the Audience Network policies.

All apps and sites in the network will be reviewed by automated systems as well as manually checked for quality and compliance. Facebook promises on-going quality review to ensure continued adherence to the policies and native ad design guidelines.

How To Get Started

To get started, follow this guide to set up Audience Network in your apps and mobile websites.

Note : 

When adding the banner code to your blog, set testmode="true" if you want to see Facebook test ads. If you can see test ads, your implementation works correctly and people will be able to see ads in your app once it's live after approval by Facebook.

You can check out the Audience Network FAQs. 

Later, I will share info on how to add Facebook ad codes to your blog, how to check your earnings etc. Subscribe to email updates if you don’t want to miss the tutorials. 

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My Audio Technica ATR2100 USB/XLR Microphone for Windows PC and Mac (Photos)

Recently, I decided to get for myself, a quality USB microphone for my Windows PC and Macbook. After reading some reviews of microphones for PC, I ended up placing order for the Audio Technica ATR2100 studio recording microphone. I bought it from Amazon and shipped it from USA to Nigeria.

The ATR2100-USB is a rugged plug and play handheld microphone that offers two outputs, USB output for digital recording, and an XLR output that connects with a studio sound mixer.

The microphone plugs right into your computer’s USB port, and functions seamlessly with your favorite recording software eg Audacity or GarageBand. It's plug n play, hence, there is no need installing any software before you can get it to work with your PC.

It comes with a tripod desk stand with folding legs for secure and easily portable tabletop use. The threaded stand clamp attaches securely to the supplied tripod or to a conventional microphone stand. USB and XLR cables included.

Photos of Audio Technica ATR2100 USB/XLR Studio Recording Microphone

Bought this Microphone cover in Nigeria for just N100

The microphone is working perfectly with my Windows laptop and my Macbook Pro.

It is ideal for live performance, podcasting, home studio recording, field recording, and voiceover use.

You can buy it at Amazon here.

So, get yours asap...lol

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Huawei Launches Mate 8 Smartphone and M2 Tablet

Huawei recently launched its two latest flagship devices the Mate 8 smartphone and M2 tablet into the Africa and the Middle East market at the Madinat Jumeirah Dubai, UAE.

The new flagship devices feature the world’s most advanced smartphone and tablet technology ever: a new benchmark of amazing performance, efficiency and long battery life.

Speaking at the event, Vice President Middle East Region, Huawei Consumer Business Group, (CBG), Mr. Sandeep Saihgal, said “2015 was a successful year for the Huawei Consumer Business Group and we anticipate 2016 to be an even bigger one with immense growth following the launch of these two flagship devices. The Mate 8 is the ultimate high-end smartphone designed for the professional, striking the perfect balance between high performance and long battery life. And when designing the M2, we equipped it with an impeccable sound system to take the user’s experience to the next level. Both of these devices reflect Huawei’s continued dedication to bringing the latest innovation and style to our consumers.’’

The Huawei Mate 8 is the ideal smartphone for today’s on-the-go professional. The all-new smartphone is lightweight, sleek and stylish design, dual sim compatible and operates on Android Marshmallow 6.0. The phone is available in Moonlight Silver, Space grey, Champagne Gold and unique Mocha Gold.

It features a stunning 6” FHD display, hosting the most powerful chipset and a high-capacity battery. The Mate 8 is designed from the ground up for productivity and its hardware and software have been fine-tuned to provide an elegant, efficient experience.

The Huawei Mate 8 smartphone is the first to run the Kirin 950 chipset and is equipped with a 4000mAh high-density battery. The Mate 8 delivers industry-leading power efficiency offering over two days of normal usage and with rapid charging technology; the device is able to charge a day’s worth of power in just 30 minutes.

Running on Huawei’s EMUI 4.0, based on Android Marshmallow 6.0, the Huawei Mate 8 offers hundreds of user experience tweaks and improvements, including a built-in automatic defragmentation service that continues optimizing system performance.

The Mate 8 features a split-screen mode that enables enhanced multitasking between apps.

Speaking about the phone, George Al Kafrouni, Regional Manager, Device Product & Training Middle East Region, explained that, “With the ‘Super Hands-Free 3.0’ technology users can enable their hands-free operation in a variety of environments. Whether in a car, a conference room or at a crowded party, users can enjoy clear conversations from up to 3 meters away. The Mate 8 features omnidirectional recording and directional playback with three microphones, which automatically detect sound sources and record voices from all directions. Additionally, the Mate 8 provides document readjustment camera mode, which automatically straightens images that are captured at an angle for better viewing.”

“The Huawei Mate 8 supports global connectivity and more bands than any other dual-SIM phone, including 4 2G bands, 9 3G bands and 18 4G bands in 217 countries and regions with 1,334 operator settings. This makes it the perfect device for the global business traveler,” he added.

Over 400 guests attended the event from across the region including media and partners who witnessed the unveiling of the latest innovations.

The launch comes shortly after the devices were globally unveiled at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

Renowned comedian Tony Abou Joude kept the crowd entertained; by introducing the spectacular launch of the two devices. The night was then rounded off with a beautiful recital by violinist Hanine El Alam.

During the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) 2016 in Las Vegas, the Huawei Consumer Business Group was awarded 16 awards including:

IDC: 2015-2016 Global Top Brands,
Engadget: Best Mobile Device,
TechRadar: Best Smart Phone,
Android Authority: Best of CES 2016,
Android Central: Top Pick CES, Best Mobile,
Network World: Best of CES 2016,
SlashGear: Best Mobile,
Tom’s Hardware: Best Smartphone,
Expert Review: Best Smartphone,
Computer Bild: Best product: Mobile,
Techlicious: CES Top Pick,
Chip Chick: Top Pick: Smartphone Computer Active
Alphr.com: Top pick CES 2106,
Men’s Health: Best of CES.

The new Huawei Mate 8 smartphone will be available in Huawei retail partner stores mid February 2016.

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3 Tips On How To Become Successful In Life With Your Own Ideas

This is a guest post compiled by +Abuku Orode  for OgbongeBlog

Take a good look at successful people around you today. Take a good look at those individuals being celebrated for their activities and deeds. Take a good look at those successful businesses around you. Something is obvious: It All Begins With An Idea!

Some ideas seem to be so simple and you can't but wonder: 'Why hasn't any one thought of them before?'

Some seem so 'strong', that you can't but also wonder: 'How could someone have thought of this?'

Nevertheless, for you also to be successful, you actually need an idea that will make you indulge in things that would make you successful.

Indeed, before you can be celebrated, you need an idea that would evolve into some acts that would get people baffled. Thus, you need an idea. And since those great ideas don't come on command, let us talk about some insights that can help you come up with your own great ideas, and be applauded for them.

Look Closely At What Is Troubling You

In the entrepreneurship world, you discover that the success of many entrepreneurs lies on the fact that they are providing a solution to a common problem.

Meaning, those ideas often begin with a problem that needs to be solved.

And, in case you don't know, they don't usually come when you sit lazily around, wasting time with frivolities and pleasures. Instead, they tend to reveal themselves while you're hard at work on something else. Thus, keep yourself busy!

Yes, start your brainstorming with problems that you are personally invested in.

Building a business; building a brand; or coming up with an invention isn't too easy. Thus, you actually need to have a relentless dedication that comes from personal passion.

You see, great ideas and innovations come from executing your idea in a different way other than how every other person does.

You know, as humans are often faced with obstructions hindering their desires, each individual will want to bring out a solution to grant them their desires. And many times, there is always a 'usual way' of doing it. Thus, a great way to get splendid ideas is to look outside your immediate society to see how others are solving similar problems.

Many successful innovations you see today in America and Europe were inspired by what their founders saw in Africa. Similarly, many things you see being done by many African countries today are being inspired by what we see the whites doing in their own continents.

Those innovators look at how the solution flows in other continents, amidst those of different culture and beliefs other than theirs. They gaze at the similarities and differences of things and approach making it work amidst their own people.

What you should know is that every individual (including you) have their creative side. However, many of us tend to ignore our creative sides until we really need it. And when you are ready to look at things from a perspective which many people around you are looking, then something different is coming into your mind.

Whenever you are faced with practical problems, always take note of them.

Whenever you desire using a product that you can't find anywhere, take note. Whenever you desire a service that you can't find anywhere, take note.

Then ask yourself 'Is this a problem i can solve? And yes, you can go around to see (do research) if there are people who need similar solutions.

And don't forget, as said previously, the solution might exist in faraway continents. You can simply gaze at how the product or service works there, and bring a brand that will soothe folks around your own immediate surroundings.

Search For Better Way To Get Things Done

Whenever you use a service that frustrates you, don't just keep ranting and hissing. Ask, 'What is this lacking; and how can it be fixed?'

Whenever you use a product that didn't fully satisfy your need, instead of ranting continuously, if you need ideas to bring about great innovations, simply ask yourself 'Which better way can this be done?

Remember you don't even need to be a manufacturer before you can bring an idea of a classic idea that will make you a millionaire.

Now That You've Got An Idea

So, what next? You know, we typically think these great ideas as the thing that sets these great innovators on the path of success. However, an idea is only an idea (and unknown) until you actually do something with it.

Now, my advice for you is; Capture the idea; Grab the idea; and keep running with the idea (irrespective of the hindrances you will surely encounter)

Does this makes sense to you?  Let me hear from you via comments.

Recommended: 7 Ingredients To Make You a Successful Blogger

This post was written by Abuku Orode. He blogs at CashRange.com and you can follow him on Twitter @CR_660 and add him as friend on Facebook here. 

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Blog Of The Week : Maverick Excel Blog

As my own way of promoting fellow bloggers in Nigeria, I published a post where I called on Nigerian bloggers to drop their blog URLs with a brief description via the comment form so I can be showcasing them on my blog for FREE every week. .

“Arsenal Newspaper” emerged the first blog to be promoted and I can bet it has been receiving traffic from my blog since then. No doubt, my blog has been generating more awareness for the blog.

Today, I’ve decided to showcase “Maverick Excel” blog as the “Blog of the Week.

Promise Excel is the owner of MaverickExcel.

He is a blogger and an avid promoter of entrepreneurship among Nigerian youth. He believes that anyone can make money from his passion and hobby and also loves every business with an 'e' in front of it.

His guest post titled “18 Profitable and Marketable 21st Century Online Skills For Young Entrepreneurs” garnered over 2000 Facebook Likes after promoting it on Facebook.

If you are looking for vital information, motivation, real life lessons, inspiration and guidance for ENTREPRENEURIAL and BUSINESS Success, then you need to add the blog to your reading list.

Promise set up the blog, to focus on entrepreneurship. His ultimate goal is to inspire people to do things that inspire them, getting them to arise and pursue their dreams.

This, he does via:

• Articles
• Interviews
• Infographics
• And subsequently, via podcasts and videos.

You can take a journey through his blog at : http://ift.tt/1W2zsKp

You can connect with him via the links below:

Facebook: http://ift.tt/1PN8Fwv
Twitter: Maverick Excel (@MaverickExcel)

Kindly share your experience, comments, suggestions and questions via comments.

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