Facebook launches 'party app' to keep track of your events - and will even suggest things for you to go to

Facebook is rolling a standalone app geared towards events
Users can find events in their area and what their friends are interested in
They can also search through public events hosted by pages they've liked
There is a built-in calendar that shows all the events you plan to attend

Published: 16:32 EST, 7 October 2016 | Updated: 19:10 EST, 7 October 2016

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Facebook is rolling out a new app that is set to banish the ‘fear of missing out’ for good.

Called Events, the standalone app was developed for social butterflies who Facebook says are ‘passionate about keeping up with nearby events and finding things to do with their friends’.

The app displays nearby events, what social gatherings your friends are interested in, parties being hosted by Pages you've liked and offers a calendar to keep track of the ones you want to attend.

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Events, this standalone app lets you see what events your friends are interested in, search through events hosted by Pages you’ve liked and has a calendar that keeps track of the ones you want to attend

HOW DOES EVENTS WORK?

Events shows users three categories to find their social gatherings: events your friends are interested in, recently-announced events by the Pages you like and updates from events you’re already connected to.

It uses your time, location and interests as filters when recommending events.

The events are shown in a list that looks similar to Timeline, which you can scroll through and click on for more information.

Users can also explore events happening in other places, which will be displayed on an interactive map.

There is also a calendar that will log in events you RSVP to.

And you can add calendars on your smartphone, which will also show the events you plan to attend.

Each month, 650 million users flock to Facebook events to find fun and exciting activities they can do with their friends.

This tab was designed to organize a range of events, from birthday parties to protests to weddings, and it also allows organizations to invite people to public events.

In 2015, 47 million public events were created and 35 million users will view a public event each day.

‘Today we’re announcing Events from Facebook, a new app we designed for event seekers who are passionate about keeping up with nearby events and finding things to do with their friends,’ Aditya Koolwal, product manager at Facebook, said.

‘Whether you’re looking for something to attend this weekend or just wondering what’s happening in your area, Events will help get you there.’

When users first open the standalone app, they are shown three different categories to search through: events your friends are interested in, recently-announced events by the Pages you like and updates from events you’re already connected to.

Facebook designed the app to use your time, location and interests as filters when recommending events that may pique interest.

Events are presented in a list that looks similar to your timeline, which you can scroll through and click on for more information.

Facebook designed the app to use your time, location and interests as filters when recommending events that may pique interest. Users can also explore events happening in other places, which will be displayed on an interactive map

Users can also explore events happening in other places, which will be displayed on an interactive map.

And for those go-getters who RSVP to every event, the app has a built-in calendar that lets you see which days are booked and what days are still free – this way you never have to miss out on anything again.

You can also integrate calendars, such as Google calendar or Apples iCal, from your smartphone and all the events you RSVP to will be shown.

The events are shown in a list that looks similar to Timeline, which you can scroll through and click on for more information. You can also integrate calendars, such as Google calendar or Apples iCal, from your smartphone and all the events you RSVP to will be shown

YOU CAN SEND SELF-DESTRUCING MESSAGES IN MESSENGER

Facebook Messenger now allows users to encrypt their messages to prevent anyone from snooping on their private chats.

The 'Secret Conversations' feature was first announced by the social media firm back in July but has taken several months to test and roll out.

The addition of end-to-end encryption means that no one - including the government - will be able to access the hidden messages.

The Facebook-owned WhatsApp messaging app now encrypts all messages by default, but Facebook Messenger users will have the choice of whether to use the feature or not.

The feature also includes a 'timer' option for every message within a thread.

This allows the message to self-destruct in a similar way to messages in Snapchat.

To send a 'Secret Conversation' users should:

- Tap the 'compose message' icon in Facebook Messenger

- Tap the word 'secret' in the top right of the screen

- Select the chosen recipient from the contact list

-Users can then choose to tap the timer icon in the text box and set a timer to make the messages disappear.

The actions you take on events in the app will be visible and available on Facebook.

This feature is a way to let your friends know what you’re interested in and what event’s you’ve shared with them – even if they don’t have the app.

‘Events is available in the App Store for iPhone users in the US today, and is coming soon to Android,’ Koolwal explains.