Facebook has launched Messenger Lite, a slimmed down version of its mobile messaging app that’s optimized for use on basic Android devices and slow connections.
The company hopes the app will make it easier for people in developing countries to enjoy its messaging service more easily than the original version. Messenger Lite comes in at under 10MB, while offering core features like sending text, photos and links. Users can receive stickers, but won’t be able to download and share them through this app.
Messenger Lite complements Facebook Lite, which is a basic version of the social network’s mobile app that was launched last June in India and the Phillipines. These apps, along with the Free Basics zero-rating mobile internet service, represent some of the company’s efforts to bring more people from developing nations onto its platform.
Messenger Lite is rolling out first to Kenya, Tunisia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and Venezuela; the company notes that it will become available elsewhere in the coming months. It looks like it hasn’t yet hit Google Play, so you might have to wait a bit before you can try it yourself if you’re in any of those countries.
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.