We recently made available JFBConnect v9.0 beta. While we don't normally release beta versions, we wanted to take a cautious approach due to the amount of updates included. This is the first release that includes support for the upcoming Joomla 4, but it has so much more to offer!

Joomla 4 Support

JFBConnect v9.0 will be the first release to support Joomla 4. The newest Joomla version streamlines the underlying core code and updates common libraries like jQuery and Bootstrap to the much more modern versions. The admin area has been completely overhauled with a fresh coat of paint as well.

Joomla 4 beta 4 was announced at the end of October. While there's no certainty as to when the final version will be released, things are progressing at a healthy clip now. All new feature development has been baked into Joomla 4 and the project is firmly in bug-squashing mode. We've been actively developing JFBConnect to be compatible with Joomla 4 and are really liking the new feel, features and overall modernization of the Joomla core.

It may sound crazy, but JFBConnect is now over 12 years old. What started with basic Facebook authentication (without profile import, widgets or anything else) for Joomla 1.5 has evolved to:

• Integration for 16 different social networks
• Profile import of avatar and hundreds of fields
• Over 50 social widgets for tight integration between your site and social networks
• Automated posts of content to Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter
• Open Graph tag support to ensure your content looks the best it can when shared
• Our automated configuration tool
• Joomla 2.5 and 3.x support

Along the way, we've presented at multiple Joomla World Conferences, Joomla Days and at local Joomla user group meetings. It's been an incredibly exciting journey, and we wanted to let you know... we're not nearly done yet!

Take Our Survey & Help Define the Future Roadmap for JFBConnect

We put together a 5 question survey to help us better understand how you currently use JFBConnect and what you'd like to see in future releases. Please take a minute to fill it out and help making social integration even better for your site.

Take the JFBConnect User Survey

Thank you!

JFBConnect v8.4.6 is now available. This release is primarily a compatibility update to support upcoming changes in Instagram and Facebook. At the end of October, some older API and widgets for both Facebook and Instagram will no longer work. Specifically:

• Facebook Graph API v3.1 sunsets on 10/27. Versions of JFBConnect before v8.2.0 will likely no longer function with Facebook after that date.
• Instagram's embedded post feature has been overhauled and the current implementation will no longer work on October 24th. Once your site is updated to JFBConnect v8.4.6, you'll need to add your Facebook 'Client Token' in the administrator area to continue embedding Instagram posts on your site.

In addition, there were some other under-the-hood improvements and bug fixes, which you can see in the JFBConnect changelog.

We highly recommend updating to JFBConnect v8.4.6 to ensure your authentication and other social features continue working properly.

The Next Major Release Is Coming

This is the last planned version in the JFBConnect v8 series, which was originally launched in 2018. Version 8 has been instrumental for laying the groundwork for future releases. Over the course of v8 development, we've added a new plugin system to easily add more social networks (we now support 15), improved Open Graph and sharing support, more widgets and loads of other improvements and features. 

Version 8 was all about breadth.. more features for more networks. Version 9 will be much more targeted with large improvements to specific features, like improved automatic posting (more networks, more options), easier configuration and Joomla 4 compatibility. We'll be posting more about our long-term roadmap shortly. Stay tuned!

Earlier this year, Instagram announced that new client registrations and permissions review would be discontinued for the exsting Instagram API platform in Mid-October 2019. New applications will use the Instagram Basic Display API going forward. Existing clients will continue to work only until early 2020.

JFBConnect v8.3 was just released and is compatible with the required changes for the Basic Display API. If you use Instagram authentication on your site, please read on for more details.

Recently, Facebook has launched a customer chat widget for Messenger. It allows your customers to message directly from your Joomla website to your Facebook Page. By combining interactions from the Messenger App and the plugin on your page, you'll be able to engage with your customer and keep them drawn into your site.

We've been tinkering with the beta version of the widget here on sourcecoast.com and have had some great conversations with users. Some have asked for support, others have asked pre-sales questions and existing subscribers have repeatedly requested to add this into JFBConnect. In all, we've seen how useful a chat widget can be to help get a conversation with your audience going. We heard you! In the newest version of JFBConnect v8.2.3, we've included the Messenger Chat functionality. Continue reading for instructions on how to add chat to your site.

Earlier this year, Meetup announced a major revision to their integration API. The new release, version 3, will be mandatory starting August 15th. JFBConnect has been updated to support all of the changes required for version 3 for a seamless transition. If you use Meetup integration with JFBConnect, please make sure you are running at least JFBConnect v8.2.3.

Even if you don't use Meetup yet, one change to their API to take note of: After August 15th, you'll need to have a Meetup Pro membership to add Meetup Authentication to your site. Before August 15th, you can signup as an "OAuth Consumer" without being a Meetup Pro member and you will be able to continue using Meetup integration for free!

Late last year, LinkedIn announced a new version of their API. Starting May 1st, all integration features with LinkedIn must use the new API. JFBConnect v8.1 was just released and is fully compatible with the required changes. If you use LinkedIn integration on your site with JFBConnect, please upgrade before May 1st to ensure there are no authentication issues on your site. There are quite a few things to be aware of with the new API version as well, so please read everything if you incorporate LinkedIn authentication on your site.