As Facebook’s privacy changes and confusion over the platform’s settings have been a major topic of interest in the media and the blogsphere over the last several months, it is no surprise that third party app developers are beginning to catch on to the market need for average users to simplify their privacy controls. A clever example is a new, free app by Mobile Distortion called Privacy for Facebook.

The iPhone application is a step-by-step walk-through of Facebook’s Privacy settings, and it updates users every time Facebook changes or adds new Privacy features. Users log into their Facebook account through the app, and are guided directly to each page of Facebook’s privacy settings. There’s no need for searching, wondering if a user has missed a crucial setting. An introductory screen clearly explains what type of information each setting controls, and explains how to set up the account for the most secure privacy settings. Users can, of course, chose to select more public facing settings as well.

The application explains Facebook’s settings simply, with a user-friendly interface, which is not surprising; Mobile Distortion primarily builds apps with an educational focus.

Privacy for Facebook certainly proves helpful to Facebook users, but the big takeaway has more to do with the medium than the subject matter. Social media has opened up an incredible opportunity for niche market applications and businesses. With application platforms expanding at a rapid pace, when the public expresses a need, the space is almost instantly filled with a solution. All one needs is a clever idea and, to quote Steve Ballmer, “Developers! Developers! Developers!” This trend started with the development of social media from its infancy: Twitter, Facebook, the smart phone, etc. Each of these now ubiquitous platforms and tools began as way to satisfy a small hole in the market. As web 2.0 matured, the market began to realize that the best bet for becoming successful is to fill a very specific role. Right now, users are looking for tools and platforms from which they can pick and choose to accomplish their own individual needs. This makes for an incredible amount of opportunity in the market, from the largest software developers to the single developer working out of his or her home.

What are your favorite new tools and platforms that did not exist two or three years ago? Are you working on any exciting ideas yourself (we won’t tell ANYONE)? We would love to hear about it!

By Emily Gibian

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