Facebook is inviting users to test out a set of next generation features, which it will be rolling out to improve users' control over their profiles and the third party applications they use.

Users will be able to interact with third party applications before adding them or granting access to their information. They can then decide whether they want it on their profile and where they want it placed. Applications have been more tightly integrated into the site to improve simplicity and ease of use.

The redesign is aimed at making it easier to share information and organise it into what is most recent and relevant, and incorporates user feedback collected over the past six months.

Networkers will be able to navigate between the simplified new design and the current one, previewing and testing the new features. Access to the new design will be rolled out to all 80 million users over the next few days.

Meanwhile, Facebook is suing StudiVZ, a German social networking site with 10 million users, for copyright infringement. StudiVZ is accused of copying Facebook features including the "wall", which friends use to post public messages on each other's profiles.