Twitter rolls out Twitter Lite, a simpler version of the mobile app which minimises data usage, loads quickly on slower connections, is resilient on unreliable mobile networks, and takes up less than 1MB on your device.
On a blog post written by Product Manager Patrick Traughber, Twitter recognises that “there are several barriers to using Twitter, including slow mobile networks, expensive data plans, or lack of storage on mobile devices.”
Although smartphone adoption has increased, a GSMA report notes that 45% of mobile connections are still on slower 2G networks. Pushing out Lite is Twitter’s attempt to address that, making Twitter more accessible to millions of people with a smartphone or tablet and a browser.
The Lite version boasts up to 30% faster launch times as well as quicker navigation. Although slightly limited on the features, Lite provides the key features of Twitter—your timeline, Tweets, Direct Messages, trends, profiles, media uploads, notifications, and more.
There is also a data saver mode, which further reduces the amount of mobile data used. In this mode, you will see a preview of images and videos before choosing which ones to fully load. This can reduce your data usage by up to 70%, making it more affordable for users in areas where mobile data is expensive.
Devices using Google Chrome and certain Android based browsers can also receive a wide range of push notifications. Twitter Lite also offers offline support, so you will not be interrupted while using Twitter if you temporarily lose your connection. You can also add Twitter Lite to your device’s home screen, so you can launch Twitter quickly with just one tap.
For emerging markets across Asia Pacific, Latin America and Africa, this brings positive experience of Twitter for the first time on their mobile devices.
Twitter also partnered with Vodafone India, to promote Twitter Lite to their customers as a way to get live sports updates on Indian Premier League matches, teams, and players as the cricket season kicks off.
Twitter Lite is available from today globally by visiting mobile.twitter.com on your smartphone or tablet. You can find more information about Twitter Lite at lite.twitter.com.
