A new in-depth look at the forthcoming Facebook 3.0 application for the iPhone has social networking fans chomping at the bit for the updated software. New features include a completely re-worked homescreen and the ability to post videos directly from the iPhone 3GS.Facebook engineer Joe Hewitt gave TechCrunch and exclusive first look at the 3.0 version of Facebook for the iPhone. Writer M.G. Siegler says "Facebook 3.0 may be the most useful app on the iPhone yet." That's quite a bold claim. Does Facebook 3.0 live up to it?

Hewitt was the main man behind building the new application, which gives the entire experience a refreshed look and feel. The new homescreen has been completely re-imagined and features large, easy-to-press buttons to access different functions of the application. The nine features available there include access to the news feed, profiles, friends, inbox, chat, requests, events, photos and notes.

I am really excited to learn about the changes to the profile and friends functions. The new profile function allows users to more easily perform actions such as "like" and "comment" on their friends' posts. Facebook 3.0 also provides the ability to dial a friend directly from the app itself. That's a very useful new feature. TechCrunch calls the entire application faster, but this is one area I'd hope is significantly improved. Since Facebook pulls friend and profile information from the network, getting that info to load on the screen can sometimes take a while, especially if you're popular and have lots of friends.

The inbox sees some new features, including the ability to view sent messages and faster messaging performance.

Those who really enjoy sharing media will be pleased with updates to the photos section, which lets you create photo albums on the fly directly from the device, as well as the ability to upload video clips. That's a major new feature.

TechCrunch was sure to point out that some features are still missing, such as a solid search function and push notifications. Considering all that the new version offers, however, I'd argue that these faults will be overlooked by most users. Based on what Siegler shares about the new application, it appears as though Facebook 3.0 has a solid chance of being "the most useful app for the iPhone." (Of course, that posits that you actually use and take advantage of Facebook to begin with.)

Facebook 3.0 has already been submitted to Apple for approval. It could arrive in the iPhone Apps Store at any moment. Be sure to keep an eye open for it.