Meta
Meta is discontinuing Messenger Lite, a simplified version of its messaging app for low-bandwidth regions, next month. The app has reportedly been removed from the Play Store for new users, signalling that Meta is ready to phase out Messenger Lite. Existing users can still reinstall the app from the Play Store, but they will see a message urging them to switch to the full-fledged Messenger app or FB Lite when they launch it.
Messenger Lite was once also a great option for people who wanted to use Facebook Messenger without the unnecessary frills. It also provided a respite from the cluttered and bloated main app. However, Messenger Lite had some drawbacks, such as the lack of video calling. Moreover, most Android phones today can handle the main app, which has more features than the stripped-down version.
The end of Messenger Lite follows Meta’s announcement that Messenger will stop supporting SMS on September 28, indicating that the company is abandoning its ambition to be the ultimate messaging platform.