Facebook, one of the world's most popular websites, has been made available in a new streamlined version dubbed Facebook Lite.
The new addition to the social-networking website, accessible at lite.facebook.com, is a slimmed-down version of the full-fat site that should prove to be easily accessible by users with slow internet connections.
Having shed many of the excess features accessible through Facebook.com, including support for third-party applications, Facebook Lite offers access to a simplified site design that allows users to carry out common tasks such as make comments and browse people's profiles. The new limited functionality and revamped design has resulted in users describing the service as "Twitter-like".
Although originally launched in the US and India only, Facebook Lite now appears to be available in the UK. Details for a global roll out have not yet been released.
Commenting on the new service, a Facebook spokesperson has this to say:
"Similar to the Facebook experience you get on your mobile phones, Facebook 'Lite' is a fast-loading, simplified version of Facebook that enables people to make comments, accept Friend requests, write on people's Walls, and look at photos and status updates. We are currently testing Facebook Lite in countries where we are seeing lots of new users coming to Facebook for the first time and are looking to start off with a more simple experience."
Despite its target audience of countries with slower broadband connections, many existing users have praised the Lite version of the site for its ease of use and simplified approach.
Both Facebook and Facebook Lite can be accessed at facebook.com and lite.facebook.com, respectively. Are you a Facebook user? If so, let us know which you prefer in the HEXUS.community forums.
