Amazon joins forces with Facebook

Amazon joins forces with Facebook


Online retailer is the latest to tap into the social networking pool

Amazon has launched two applications that allow Facebook users to buy gifts based on interests listed on their profiles and to manage wish lists.

The move follows ebay's launch of its own applications for Facebook users who have opted in to the service. With the add-ons, Amazon hopes to enhance its presence in the "social shopping" market.

Amazon Giver allows Facebook members to view suggested items for friends based on interests listed on their profile pages, while Amazon Grapevine provides news feeds of members' activity on Amazon, such as when they update their wish lists, write reviews, or tag products.

"By combining Amazon's vast selection of products with Facebook's millions of users, we are able to make activities like gift-giving more efficient and rewarding for Facebook users," said Amazon.com vice president Eva Manolis.