Facebook looks to m-commerce

Facebook is in talks to allow developers to
sell virtual goods within mobile web browsers in an attempt to
generate more revenue from smartphones and tablet computers.

According to Bloomberg, the change
would allow developers to use Credits – Facebook’s currency
– on mobile applications accessed via the web. This could
allow Facebook to acquire over 30% of the revenue generated by the
sale of virtual goods.

Facebook has declined to comment on this
rumoured strategy.

“We’re always testing new ways to improve app
discovery on Facebook, however we have no further details to share
at this time,” the company told Bloomberg in a
statement.

Bloomberg cites three people familiar
with the matter who claim Facebook is asking developers to build
versions of their apps for HTML5, the emerging web standard. This
will allow Facebook users to render graphics and animation through
a web browser rather than downloading through Google or Apple’s app
stores.