Meta, the company formerly known as Facebook, has confirmed the discontinuation of Messenger Lite, its stripped-down version of the Messenger app. Users of the app have started receiving a message advising them to switch to the main app for continued chatting.
Messenger- The Countdown Begins
As of September 18, current users of the app will no longer be able to access the app. The lightweight application, designed to cater to users with less powerful Android devices, has already been removed from the Google Play Store for new users. The clock is ticking for those who have relied on Messenger Lite for their messaging needs.
Transitioning to Mainstream Messenger
A Meta spokesperson announced that, beginning August 21, people using the Messenger Lite app on Android will be guided to use either Messenger or FB Lite to send and receive messages. The aim is to streamline the user experience and ensure that they continue to communicate seamlessly through the other available platforms.
Lite’s Legacy and Global Impact
Initially introduced in 2016, Messenger Lite swiftly gained popularity among users seeking to save storage space and processing power on their Android devices. Despite the app’s discontinuation, its impact has been significant. Analytics from data.ai reveal that the combined downloads of Lite versions globally reached around 760 million. The highest number of downloads hailed from India, followed by Brazil and Indonesia, while the United States secured the eighth spot.
Meta’s Ongoing Changes
Meta’s recent decision to discontinue SMS support for Messenger adds another layer to the ongoing changes within the messaging landscape. Effective after September 28, Messenger users will no longer be able to send or receive SMS messages via the app. Additionally, Meta has unveiled plans to implement end-to-end encryption as the default setting for Messenger, with the expansion of this feature’s testing to encompass millions more users’ conversations.
Meta’s move to shut down the app marks a significant shift in its messaging strategy, as the company continues to evolve its suite of communication platforms. In its drive for global growth, Nykaa has chosen Rozita Nouruzi as the CEO for its omnichannel beauty business. Nykaa has collaborated with the Apparel Group in the GCC for this venture. Rozita Nouruzi was previously the head of Sephora in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which adds to her extensive experience. Moreover, the impending introduction of default end-to-end encryption underscores Meta’s commitment to enhancing user privacy and security in the messaging realm.
