MySpace to roll out Facebook-like app platform?

MySpace may be ready to introduce its own hooks for third-party programs much in the vein of Facebook, according to reports from developers. Unofficially named MySpace Platform, the programming interface would let coders create miniature web-based programs that fill a particular role. Like Facebook, the feature would optionally tap into a member's profile information and could use complex code such as Flash controls or videos as well as Javascript. The Fox-owned social networking site would break from its own traditions, however, and let app developers embed their own ads instead of running MySpace-controlled versions.

While a particular release date for MySpace Platform was not part of the leak, developers in touch with MySpace have allegedly said that it could launch as soon as October 17th, when the Web 2.0 Summit begins in San Francisco and is likely to see announcements from Facebook and other web-oriented companies. Developing will likely be free but will require that the resulting apps reside on MySpace servers.