Give These Lite Apps A Try

countries like India where internet connectivity is slow, rich apps often lose out on providing the best experience to the users. Big app makers like Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft and the rest which make apps loaded with ever-updating new features are aware of this problem. As a result, a new genre of apps was introduced. Known as Lite apps, these are stripped down, less fancier versions of big apps. They don’t use much data, don’t take up much space in your phone and they don’t use up a lot of resources. Now when you switch to a Lite app, prepare to give up on a whole lot of bling and the fancy features. In return, you will have a phone that has all that you need without slowing it down. 

1. Facebook Lite

1It is designed to be used on 2G networks and in areas with unstable and slow internet. The app itself takes up a lot less space, loads quickly and works on just about any phone. Most of the usual features are available. You can browse your timeline, like and comment on posts, update status and the likes. Facebook has also made available geofilters and camera effects. 

2. Messenger Lite

2 Facebook launched the Lite app for Messenger last month – it is already available in 120 countries. Once again, the app is designed for phones with limited memory and processing power and low bandwidth networks. Of course, it won’t have the augmented reality and camera effects features yet. But it’s only a matter of time considering how fiercely Facebook is competing with Snapchat. 

3. Skype Lite

3Following Facebook’s trail, Microsoft also launched the lite version of the Skype app. In fact, the app was launched in India itself. Weighing only 13MB, the app is created to work best on 2G networks and in areas with unstable connectivity. It can also run smoothly on old Android phones; it uses less battery to work. Microsoft has also integrated Aadhar identification as a way to securely identify users.

4. YouTube Go

Google, in an event in India, launched YouTube Go for the Indian market. It is the stripped down version of the heavy YouTube app. The app has been designed specifically for Indian users. Users can download videos to save them offline. The app also provides users with details like how much data a video will take with the option of watching a low-res version which takes up lesser data.

5. Twitter Lite

Launched last month, Twitter Lite is a lightweight, stripped down version of the official Twitter app. It is Progressive Web App (PWA) and takes up less than 1MB of space in your phone and comes with a data saving mode that blurs pictures and videos unless you tap on them. Twitter has claimed the app can launch in less than five seconds in a 3G connection and save up to 70 per cent more data. You get almost all the features you are used to getting on the full version of the app.