Facebook launched the first version of its iPad app this week, which is available immediately via the App Store. It also extended its Facebook Platform to its iOS apps and mobile site, allowing developers to reach the 350 million users that access the social media site via these channels every month according to the company.

First of all, we can look into what the iPad offers. The iPad view is optimized to the tablet’s wide screen and allows users to browse pictures in a sleek, rather minimalistic interface.  You can also view and record videos in full screen mode, and of course play games (the ones that aren’t based on Flash).

The app’s interface arranges lists, apps, groups and all of the things that users access on a regular basis on a drop-down left-hand menu.  Messages and notifications appear on the top to let users continue doing what they were doing before that ping popped onto their screen.  Facebook also added the ability to record HQ video, as well as Airplay support.

The second thing Facebook rolled out is mobile support for its Facebook Platform. This means a lot of things, first and foremost that developer will be able to integrate Facebook Credits, the social network’s micro-transaction networks, with the mobile-optimized version of their app.  In addition Authenticated Refers can be used, a (somewhat criticized) system that gives developers some access to users’ data for a more personalized experience.

The mobile News Feed channel got an upgrade too, and now users can access an app shared by a friend much more directly after one tap on the link. Lastly, the final addition the mobile version of Facebook Platform is the Requests dialogue, essentially a notification mechanism that encourages  people using an app to share their experience.