Facebook's data-sucking mobile app works just fine for most of us here in the U.S., but it's a different story for those on slow 2G networks in other countries. That's about to change.
In its latest effort to help connect those in emerging markets, Facebook has released a new "Lite" mobile app, which uses less data and works in all network conditions. The app was specifically designed for 2G networks and areas with limited network connectivity, Facebook said.
The app itself is very small at just 252KB, making it super quick to download. Facebook promised that the app is efficient with data — which will be important to those on limited data plans — and that News Feed stories and photos are quick to load.
"Keeping up with friends is faster than ever," the social network said.
Like the full-featured Facebook app, the Lite version lets you check out your News Feed to see what friends are up to, share your own updates and photos, and get notifications when friends like and comment on your posts. Facebook Lite is available for download now in Google Play.
Interestingly, Facebook years ago had a slimmed-down version of its service, dubbed Facebook Lite, but shut it down in 2010. It had a stripped-down interface designed for users with slower connections in India and the United States.
The company has been working on a number of other initiatives as of late to make its service more accessible to those in emerging markets. Facebook recently boosted Android app speeds following a trip to Africa, where mobile performance doesn't quite match up with service in the U.S
Through Internet.org, meanwhile, Facebook has rolled out an app that provides free access to Wikipedia, job listings, weather websites, and (of course) Facebook and Facebook Messenger, among other apps. It's currently available in Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Colombia.
The social network has also been experimenting with different ways to spread Internet access to unconnected areas of the world, including drones, satellites, and lasers. Google has similar ambitions, and recently invested a huge chunk of change in SpaceX as part of an effort to help expand Internet access worldwide.