Just like Facebook Lite, Facebook Inc today has launched a lite version of its famous Messenger App for markets where internet connection is not fast enough or people doesn’t have proper access to fast internet connections.
As of now, Messenger Lite will be available in Tunisia, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Venezuela but Facebook is expected to soon expand the service to other parts of the world as well. Messenger Lite basically use less data and load content much faster on slow internet connections.
Messenger Lite on Android will enable users to send text messages as always and even photos. Though the not so famous video calling or voice calling feature would be missing on Messenger Lite. “We want to make sure Messenger products are truly for everyone,” David Marcus, head of Messenger, said in an interview. (Source NDTV Gadgets).
Facebook has been taking a lot of steps for such emerging markets. A prime example being its Free Basics campaign which was initiated to introduce internet in more than 30 countries. Free Basics though initially saw a lot of criticism especially after a rumour which saw Facebook cheating its users in the name of Free Basics.
Facebook recently announced that it will also work with Indian Government in order to provide free internet in various villages across the country. Nevertheless, we hope that Messenger Lite is available in India soon as earlier Facebook Lite was quite a success when it was launched last year.