Facebook launches Messenger Lite app for emerging markets
Facebook announced on Monday it will roll out a lighter version of its Messenger app for Android to emerging markets.
Facebook will begin rolling out the 10MB app to Kenya, Tunisia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Venezuela, and has plans to expand to other countries in the coming months.
Facebook already has a "lite" version of its main app, which strips down the features for a faster experience. Likewise, the Lite version of Messenger will be stripped down and won't have access to Facebook's new chatbots or Messenger for business.
Facebook said with Messenger Lite, users are able to quickly and easily send text, photos and links to anyone using Messenger or Messenger Lite.
"With Messenger Lite, more people can stay in contact, regardless of network conditions or storage limitations on their Android devices. Messenger Lite was built to give people a great Messenger experience, no matter what technology they use or have access to," Tom Mulcahy, Engineering Manager for Messenger Lite, wrote on the Facebook blog.
Earlier this week Facebook began testing a new chat app in Poland that allowed users to share photos and videos that disappear within 24 hours, according to TechCrunch, working similarly to Snapchat. Facebook said it frequently runs small tests.
Facebook has been on a mission to connect the globe to the Internet, not only through its projects. Through its Internet.org initiative, Facebook is paired with six companies to bring Internet access to developing countries.