Yahoo has just released a new application which brings their location-aware platform Fire Eagle to Facebook’s social network. The new app called “Friends on Fire” lets you easily share your current location with a set of trusted friends. Fire Eagle users can also share short, Twitter-like posts with each other. These are quick updates and tips tied to your location and displayed on a map within Facebook. In addition, the Fire Eagle team has also introduced a FireFox Extn that lets you update your location with just one click.

Friends on Fire

When you click the “Get Started” button in the Friends On Fire Facebook application, you’re redirected to Yahoo’s Fire Eagle page where you have to sign in with a Yahoo ID. If you don’t already have one, then you’ll need to create one here – an extra step that may be a bit off-putting for new users.

Once you’ve signed in, you must provide an email address for receiving important updates from Fire Eagle. You then must also specify at what intervals you want to receive an email that asks if you’re still comfortable sharing your location. The choices you’re given are “once per month,” “once every 3 months,” and “don’t bother.” Finally, you have to accept the terms of service and give the Facebook app access to your location.

Back in Facebook, you’ll be shown the other Fire Eagle users among your friends and given the opportunity to connect with them. You can also configure additional settings like how exact the location updates are, who can see them on the map, and whether or not the posts update your wall.

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