Last night we received a number of emails about a new version of Facebook that a number of users were “accidentally” invited to. Dubbed “Facebook Lite”, the service is a faster loading version of Facebook, meant to make it easier to digest your feed and consume basic Facebook applications. While there is no word on whether or not Facebook will enable platform applications, it’s clear that Facebook wants to make the site easier to use for those that don’t have fast connections.
Testing of the service is currently taking place in India and other areas of the world which don’t have access to broadband. Last night images of the site were circulated via Azhar Chougle who took a screenshot of his experience. So is this new, simpler version of Facebook as shot across the bow of Twitter? Not really. Facebook has stated that it’s testing a “Lite” version of the site to target those users who are “coming to Facebook for the first time and are looking to start off with a more simple experience.”
This appears to be a cross between the mobile experience and the full Facebook experience. While we only got to first check out screenshots of this an hour ago, many have been buzzing about it all night long. How is this going to transform the Facebook experience? It’s pretty straight forward: those that want a more basic version of the site will have access to one. This also means that millions of users with slow connections will be able to access Facebook without having slow load time issues.
Were you able to access Facebook Lite or is it showing up blank for you? Were you one of the few that were accidentally invited to Facebook Lite last night?
Looks a bit similar to Twitter. I absolutely hate Twitter and don’t understand the hype, AT ALL! I’m not saying, Don’t Launch It”. I only hope that when you do, it’s not another Twitter. Twitter SUCKS!
naaaaaaah! FACEBOOK SUCKS!
Seem like lite.facebook.com is now redirecting to the main homepage… interesting!
Twitter rocks for those who know how to use it and add relevant tweeters to their list
I think it’s a smart move on Facebook’s behalf. Function over form will play in their favor.
This is a great idea. Do we know if FB Lite will have a news feed, or is it basically going to be FB circa 2005? (plus video)
I was one of those who somehow got a notification that I was selected as a beta tester. All it did was redirect me back to regular facebook. Made sense considering I was on the other side of the world and have broadband.
@Gigi unless you are in Australia, where quite a number are offered Lite, based on their crappy broadband speeds.
I covered that in my post on Australia, broadband and Facebook Lite.
http://laurelpapworth.com/facebook-lite-twacebook-3rd-world-countries-and-australia/
again interesting one
Apparently I can’t access the lite page. Too bad I wasn’t one of the accidental invites. I would love to have a look at the lite version but judging from your screenshot there is nothing to be excited about.
Got a invite to visit facebook lite.. I dont understand why the home page is no getting loaded?? its irritating..
I got a invitation to join facebook lite and Now I cannot get out to regular facebook . Can someone help me ? pls,help facebook lite is irritating !
Can anyone please tell me how to get back to normal facebook from facebook lite ???
its horrible … i can’t find my updates or anything … can’t post photos on my wall without making an album … its jus very very bad … n i want the normal facebook back!
here is a solution to go back to default facebook.
On your face book lite page ..click on ‘Feedback’ at the bottom of the page. Just above the comment box, there is an option to move back to regular facebook
like this….
[Looking to get back to the regular Facebook? (Just click here)] buttonn.. click it
& enjoy ur regular facebook
i want to get back to normal facebook format………
i hate dis fb-lites……….
please help me out
viswaviraat thanks a ton i was trying to come out of facebook lite but was unable to .. you solved my prob…….
m jus so sick of f.b…its so slow n irritatn