Facebook update adds new Timeline feature

Facebook has made another change to how it displays personal information on profiles with the launch of a new service called Timeline.

Originally announced in September, Timeline is now being made available to all users. Facebook said it was now sending information about the update to its members.

Timeline takes all the information posted to a Facebook profile and displays it in chronological order. Unlike the current layout, Timeline makes browsing back through past updates, pictures and other profile information easier.

When users are upgraded to Timeline they will have seven days to review all the content that appears on it before anyone else can see it. The Timeline will replace the current profile for all users.

While Facebook will not change any privacy settings, the new layout does make it easier to see everything that has been posted to someone's Facebook account. The company said that users can use a dropdown box to remove posts and pictures or choose exactly who sees what.

In a post on the Facebook blog, enginerring manager Paul McDonald said:

"If you want to see how your timeline appears to other people, click the gear menu at the top of your timeline, and select "View As." You can choose to see how your timeline appears to a specific friend or the public."

Another new feature is the Activity Log, which can be used to review and keep track of everything being posted to a Facebook profile. This is private and can only be seen by individual users.

Timeline is also available on Android smartphones and tablets as well as the Facebook mobile site, m.facebook.com. For more information about the changes, read the Facebook blog.