App Facebook Lite
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
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App Facebook Lite, Early this morning, Facebook published a brand-new, slimmed down version of their app called Facebook Lite to the Google Play Store. Focused on low-end devices in emerging markets where cellular data is a little slower, we have to confess, we were plenty thrilled at the possibility of a 2G-friendly variation of the usually bloated Facebook app.
Right after setup, our optimism was fulfilled with cold tough truth-- this app was little more than a wrapper for the mobile web view (ie, it's nearly identical to checking out m.facebook.com). Okay, so there are some key differences. There's no videos (like, at all) and unlike opening Facebook in your phone's web browser, Facebook Lite will supply you with push alerts on your Android gadget, handy if you're awaiting a crucial message and desire to keep up with friends without needing to refresh the web browser.
The trade off? Facebook Lite-- which is marketed as less than 1MB (252KB), however really used up 1.16 MB after setup-- demands a fair quantity of permissions from your Android gadget, much like the full fledged 114MB (after installation) routine variation of the app (just without the place data). Oh, did we discuss it's sluggish?
Even on WiFi, the app is slow to load, sluggish to scroll, and slow to change between News Feed, your messages, and alerts. Even with a high-end Snapdragon 801 equipped Android device, the "app" directly seems like molasses. But as we pointed out, you do get direct access to your messages without needing to install Facebook Messenger, so there's that.
We think Facebook really had something here and were really expecting a quicker, lighter, less function heavy, Facebook app for those of who don't need all the frill of sticker shops and so on. Unfortunately, Facebook Lite actually just doesn't cut it.
Facebook Lite is currently offered for all Android 2.2+ devices in Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, or Zimbabwe through the Play Shop. Those living somewhere else who 'd still prefer to provide it a try, you can download it from us through the link below.
Download: Facebook Lite for Android
App Facebook Lite
Right after setup, our optimism was fulfilled with cold tough truth-- this app was little more than a wrapper for the mobile web view (ie, it's nearly identical to checking out m.facebook.com). Okay, so there are some key differences. There's no videos (like, at all) and unlike opening Facebook in your phone's web browser, Facebook Lite will supply you with push alerts on your Android gadget, handy if you're awaiting a crucial message and desire to keep up with friends without needing to refresh the web browser.
The trade off? Facebook Lite-- which is marketed as less than 1MB (252KB), however really used up 1.16 MB after setup-- demands a fair quantity of permissions from your Android gadget, much like the full fledged 114MB (after installation) routine variation of the app (just without the place data). Oh, did we discuss it's sluggish?
Even on WiFi, the app is slow to load, sluggish to scroll, and slow to change between News Feed, your messages, and alerts. Even with a high-end Snapdragon 801 equipped Android device, the "app" directly seems like molasses. But as we pointed out, you do get direct access to your messages without needing to install Facebook Messenger, so there's that.
We think Facebook really had something here and were really expecting a quicker, lighter, less function heavy, Facebook app for those of who don't need all the frill of sticker shops and so on. Unfortunately, Facebook Lite actually just doesn't cut it.
Facebook Lite is currently offered for all Android 2.2+ devices in Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa, Sudan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, or Zimbabwe through the Play Shop. Those living somewhere else who 'd still prefer to provide it a try, you can download it from us through the link below.
Download: Facebook Lite for Android