Facebook Events is used by 100 million users every day to discover meetups, parties, and other events. The feature lets users invite others to these events. However, Facebook has now spun off the feature into a standalone app. The app can be synced with users' calendars on their phone to allow for convenient scheduling.
The app is already available for iOS users in the US. An Android version is expected to be launched shortly. The Events feature will still be embedded in the Facebook app. TechCrunch quoted Facebook Events product manager Aditya Koolwal saying that the app is meant "for the people really eager to discover events."
Events is one of the most enduring features of Facebook. It was unveiled in 2005. However, the feature has received a major push since 2011. The feature is said to have amassed 450 million users by 2015. The standalone app was tested in six cities across the US.
The new app lets users browse Events using different criteria such as timing or place of the event. Users can also look for Events related to their interests. Upon launching the app, the user can access the Events they are RSVP'd to or are invited to. The app will also feature suggested events, curated by Facebook.
The app will also feature an interactive map as well as integration with calendar. It allows for second party calendar integration as well, so users can sync their Google or Apple calendar with the app.