Social networking giant Facebook has launched an application for handsets running on Windows Mobile, Microsoft's operating system.

This is the first official Facebook application that is compatible with all Windows Mobile 6 phones and newer models, according to Microsoft. Available as a free download from http://www.windowsmobile.com/facebook and via the mobile Web, the Windows Mobile Facebook application is the only version on the market offering the ability to upload video right from the phone.

"The strategy behind creating the Facebook application was to show users that we are just as concerned and serious about consumers as we are about business users," said Steve Hegenderfer, group product manager in the developer experience team within Microsoft's Mobile Communications Business, Redmond, WA.

"We realize that increasingly people use their phone for more than just making calls and work, and we are creating experiences that will allow end users to use their phones for work and play," he said.

The target demographic of the application is simply Windows Mobile phone users who are also Facebook users.

Consumers can download the app directly from their mobile Web browser for free at http://mobile.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/en-us/downloads/facebook.mspx.

User-generated content on Facebook is growing at a rapid rate. Facebook users post 415,000 video uploads per day.

In addition to photo uploads from their handset, consumers will also be to access status updates, friend requests and photo tags, as well as read and create wall posts, share photos, send messages and update profile pictures.

Facebook users will also be able to share many of their Facebook activities, including photos and status updates, across the full range of Windows Live services.

Facebook will also be available for new Windows Mobile 6.5 phones coming out later this year.

Microsoft and Facebook used popular social media sites such as Twitter, the Total Access site and even Facebook itself to raise awareness of the announcement.

Outreach also included Web enthusiasts such as bloggers and analysts.

Initially, there will not be any advertising within the app, although Microsoft hinted that the company might be exploring an ad-supported model.

"In this version for WM 6.1 and 6.5 phones, there are no plans to monetize ad placements within the application itself," Mr. Hegenderfer said. "We are always looking at future options and partnerships, but we are not announcing anything at this time."