Facebook app for iPad nearly ready for launch

Last night we brought you news that Facebook was looking to muzzle in on Apple’s app market by launching a web-based alternative of its own for the iPhone, following Apple’s move to integrate Twitter into iOS 5.

This hostility towards Apple seems in direct contrast to word that’s broken today, which suggests that an official Facebook app for the iPad is finally on its way, and is just going through the final testing stages.

The tablet’s been bereft of an official app for the social network, despite the one for the iPhone consistently ranking as one of the device’s most-downloaded. According to the report, Facebook has spent upwards of a year planning the app. In that time rivals, such as Friendly, have come along and done the job just as well.

Rumoured features include the ability to record and upload video straight from the app, as well as a revamped groups section and – as you’d expect – a layout tailored for the iPad’s larger screen. Is this the app you’ve been waiting for? Let us know your thoughts on the Gadget Helpline Twitter feed.