So, the web pretty much exploded tonight over the appearance of something called “Facebook Lite,” a new service that’s apparently being beta tested by Facebook. But users who received the message that they were invited to test it out, were frustrated when the link didn’t work. There’s a reason for that: It was a mistake to roll the test out to most of these users tonight, Facebook has confirmed to us.
But, with the cat out of the bag, everyone is now rushing to reach some conclusions about what Facebook Lite actually is. Most of these assumptions revolve around Twitter and FriendFeed. The reasons for this should be obvious: First, Facebook and Twitter seem to have a nice rivalry going on to see who is the hottest social property. Second, Facebook just bought FriendFeed for $50 million, so it would seem possible that they want to develop a service just like that one. And third, the screenshot of Facebook Lite, which we found earlier, makes it look a lot like Twitter and FriendFeed.
But in reality, Facebook Lite has nothing to do with Twitter or FriendFeed — at least, not right now. Instead, it was designed to be used in parts of the world where broadband speeds vary and can be expensive, we’re being told by Facebook. Given that the initial testing of it has taken place in India over the past several days, this makes sense.
Think about how slow Facebook is to load at times on some broadband connections here in the U.S., and just imagine what that much be like on connections that are several times slower. And then also consider that all of Facebook’s datacenters are here in the U.S. So for the data to get around the world, it creates an even longer natural load time. So Facebook is stripping the site back and allowing Facebook Lite to be a site where new users can quickly write on friend’s walls, send messages and build their social network. The basics.
As we said, it’s testing in India right now, but the plan is for Facebook Lite to hit places like Russia and China as well, we’re hearing.
All that being said, it is entirely possible that the service could find its way to the rest of the world as an option for those who maybe don’t want all the bells and whistles that Facebook provides, and instead just want speed. Facebook didn’t have anything to say on that matter, and specifically not the U.S., but it seems reasonable. After all, MySpace has a “lite” version too.
But don’t buy into the hype that we’re already starting to hear that Facebook Lite is a “Twitter-killer” — because that’s not its intention at all right now.
That’s what they want you to believe, until it happens.
I think we should all go back to hop scotch and sidewalk chalk …
Screw writing on walls, and sending messages … let’s just all go outside and play …
facebook lite is surely going to be a big hit… after all internet is all about speed… the “lite” version may have features stripped down but how many of us use all of the features provided by the giant platform?
meh. looks like an attack on twitter to me.
well then I hope a subset of users in india is ready when Twitter launches Twitter Lite for users with absolutely no Internet connection whatsoever.
That was hilarious. They will send an army of pigeons to carry messages, in 140 chars (otherwise too heavy for the pigeon).
Is coming any soon Facebook PokeFree, FantaBook or ZuckWeiser?
Tantek already did that at SXSWi this year:
http://brightki....com/people/tek
With writing a wall post, posting pictures, and posting videos as the only options it seems very much like Twitter. Then again it also reminds me of Facebook just about about two years ago, with nothing else. No Apps, No Chat.
Also looks like an attack on twitter to me.
I guess MG doesn’t want to believe the site he loves the one that “will change how we all inneract in the future” might be whipped out…
nah, it’s called reporting. and trust me, this goes well beyond Facebook PR.
Facebook is blocked in China. So the line “but the plan is for Facebook Lite to hit places like Russia and China as well, we’re hearing.” is clearly very bad reporting, or hearing.
So just because FB is blocked in China doesn’t mean they can make a product to try and get into that market? Or use the demographic in China as an example?
Give MG a break, jeez, ya don’t have to pounce on every freakin word.
I’m facebook friends with someone living in Hong Kong, but I guess that’s somewhat different.
nah.. it’s an attack on Phreadz 2.0
they just don’t know it yet
No need to worry the best is yet to come
I guess we’ll all have to wait and see.
I am still trying to figure out why in the world EVERYONE is talking about this right now …
-Ryan
Why? Because it’s a version of Facebook (where I have built up a network, unlike on Twitter) that has all the quiz/games/OMFG-LOLCATZZZ rubbish stripped out, and goes back to the fast-loading, quality social network it used to be.
And if you’re really bored you can go back the steaming pile of badly-developed and un-moderated apps that Facebook Heavy is. Without having to add all you’re friends and get them to sign up too.
Isaac
I have a feeling this version is going to turn out to be more popular than the regular Facebook. No more “Which sexy butt are you?” on my news feed! I want to stay in touch with my friends and that’s about it.
i wouldn’t be completely surprised by that either.
Could not agree more, every day I turn notices from those damn things off, then the next day some one uses a different useless app, seams like a never ending cycle of blocking the damn apps
Absolutely agree, I think I’d be very likely to use the stripped down version despite having decent broadband.
Looks more like Twitter than anything else…
Seems a logical development…
Not used “Facebook Lite”, so difficult to analyse or comment on its possible impact or otherwise on Twitter…
Okay, if they wanted a quick version of Facebook, why not just use:
http://m.facebook.com
http://iphone.facebook.com
These all do the same as Facebook Lite. Seems like an excuse to me. They are going after Twitter.
“It was a mistake to roll the test out to most of these users tonight, Facebook has confirmed to us.”
Clever advertisement trick … for the Facebook Lite !
Exaaaaactly. Accidental me arse.
Great idea to implement a Facebook for mobile users. And that´s what it looks like.
Yes, only that is exists already.
http://m.facebook.com
http://iphone.facebook.com
” It was a mistake to roll the test out to most of these users tonight, Facebook has confirmed to us. ”
Clever advertisement trick for the Facebook Lite
Uh, if you didn’t know already, Facebook is blocked in China, as is Twitter and Youtube, among others.
Although this might not be a direct attack on Twitter, saying it has nothing to do with Twitter at all may not be right either.
Twitter’s primary difference from FaceBook is its minimal and robust design. We’ve all heard how this came to play in Iran (for example). When people don’t want all the complexity of FaceBook, they use Twitter. Perhaps FaceBook Lite is a response to (or an “attack” on) that.
Mr. Siegler, this whole article sounds like you were just repeating what facebook employees told you…
facebook -> wastebook
Wow. This looks awesome… I have to write “Social Wars Part 2: Facebook Strikes Back” ASAP!
Sounds good, hopefully it has features that makes it first preference for users currently on twitter. The advantage Facebook has is it can market its product very convincingly and the huge database of user it has. Lets wait and see what the true picture of Facebook lite is, grapevines would make things easier though
Sonal Maheshwari
USourceIT your single source for all IT needs
ok .. i have a slow computer at home (verry slow). and when i open facebook on a tab, it .. just .. crawls! [FF3.5 did help!]
i’d love to use fb-lite not for its low-band speed, but because im presuming theyve done away with (almost) all of that javascript junk!
*drool*
Facebook may not have intended this Lite version as a Twitter-killer but the fact that most people concluded it was is bound to get Facebook thinking perhaps it can be.
I for one had always wondered if they ought to be releasing a different product or app within the main site for simpler and always public status updates – instead of, how did the leaked Twitter notes put it – “diluting what they do” on their main site by trying to make it more like Twitter.
I dont think accessibility from India & other countries is as big a issue as bandwidth costs of supporting users from these countries…
Exactly. Don’t know why everybody has forgotten the primary aim was not to ’solve’ the loading problem for low bandwidth users but to develop a version of Facebook that requires far less data transfer costs for FB in regions where their advertising revenue is comparably far smaller than their data costs. Facebook Lite was rumoured to include lower quality images. Have to try it and see the difference.
this looks eerily similar to the facebook that i use. i have no left side filters, no sponsors, no ads, and no higlights section. ff + greasemonkey + stylish = WIN
Somehow I have a hunch that its fake since all the pics are from a single blog, no one else reported this
I remember seeing a screenshot last night with something showing “4 new posts” above the feed. Wouldn’t something like that…which requires active connections between FB and the browser eat up some of that expensive bandwidth? If they’re going to develop a FB Lite then don’t put the active connection in there…that’ll slow it down.
However, the fact that it does have an active connection is a sign that it will be competing against Twitter. That may not be they’re publicly acknowledged goal, but you can guarantee there’s hopes that it’ll just get picked up and used as a Twitter alternative. That way FB can say “Our users decide what they want to use Facebook for…it was never out intention to go after Twitter.”
Let me provide some insight here. Orkut is the most popular social networking site in India and they have had a lite version for a year or so. Most Indians find the app frenzy in Facebook quite distracting. So Facebook is hoping that this new mode will make the site look more appealing to such users. That’s it. It may look like Twitter, but remember the lite is targetted at a set of people who may not want ‘real-time’ just a place to say hi to friends
Total bull right there. I used Orkut to stay in touch with some of my Indian friends and the site is so damn cluttered. And apps? You’ve got to be kidding me. At least Facebook integrates them well using Tabs, so you don’t have to look at it every waking moment. Orkut on the other hand has those apps directly on the homepages.
Orkut is cluttered in general, with or without the apps. I still can’t understand how it was a success in India and Brazil.
I never said Orkut’s good and by the way, no one uses Orkut apps =P
Plus a lot of people I know don’t like Facebook as they find the interface too confusing. FB lite has a very simple interface (atl east from the sceenshot) and might help FB get more users.
You are right when you say, FB does a good job of integrating tabs, but if you didn’t notice, no apps on sight in lite. I could be wrong….
I Don’t Get Why Everyone Likes FaceBook Better Them Twitter. I think Twitter Is Better. But What Is FaceBook Lite!!!!
Twitter is better? you can’t post video, pictures with out using a third party service… Why limit yourself?
“But don’t buy into the hype that we’re already starting to hear that Facebook Lite is a “Twitter-killer” — because that’s not its intention at all right now.”
This sentence isn’t parsing for me. Are you claiming that the only way to kill Twitter is to *intend* to kill twitter? I think that would be a first in the history of technology.
I’ve been on fb since 2005, when only some university students were allowed to have accounts. Last summer, when the “new” fb rolled out, it included the new format and tons of new features that I’ve always considered shameless attempts to sell my information to 3rd party associates, thinly disguised as entertainment (quizzes, games, etc.). This version of fb looks like what the company should have offered a year ago to users who want the functionality of facebook without all the annoying myspace-like apps.
I still don’t really quite understand what “liking” a post does on Facebook besides just telling other people that you like it.
Also, Facebook is looking cleaner, but this attack on Twitter is serving to turn me off (a fairly early user of the site).
Check out lite.facebook.com
Facebook, by my humble estimation, is barely EBITDA positive, but not cash flow positive. All of their computing equipment depreciate at inverse moore’s law rate, if you consider depreciation, Facebook is a long way from being profitable.
Cutting bandwidth cost is one of the best ways to cutting cost, since bandwidth is entirely variable cost. If sites load faster, there are more page hits per user per hour, so facebook can “grow” some more.
Both facebook and Twitter will die before 2015.
if they die they will be replaced by another social thing that is free and runs into the same issues.
Are you that naive? You don’t think they want to CRUSH twitter and that this is a direct copy and assault on twitter’s amazing growth and hype? Does Zuckerberg not believe in capitalism? He is a ruthless capitalist! … One of the most naive blogs I have read (very surprised to see it on techcrunch).
Well its certainly taken design inspiration from twitter. I would love to use the lite version even though I have very fast broadband. Normal facebook is too cluttered at the moment.
As for the twitter vs facebook debate, it fundamentally misses the point. 99.9% of all facebook’s users are not interested in twitter. Twitter is a social network for publicity seekers (experts, companies, bloggers, repressed people) and publicity givers (bloggers, PR people, journalists), its in no way mass market and will never will be.
Facebook is the very definition of ‘mass market’. I see facebook copying some features of twitter (e.g. public status updates, one way friendships) so that mass market (wanting to reach consumers) will migrate to facebook. Twitter will be left occupying an (interesting but hard to monetise) niche of publicity types….
This is odd reporting. Why would you categorically deny that it’s aimed at Twitter? I mean, how do you know with such certitude? Because someone at FB told you? They might have lied or simply didn’t know – don’t think every single FB employee is aware of every aspect of FB’s strategy. This is the same sort of reporting that got Jim Goldman on CNBC so humiliated over the Jobs health fiasco. TC isn’t about hedge-your-bets CYA reporting with every sentence having to have “according to sources” caveats, but articles like this are really at the other extreme.
if the philosophy for stripping things down stated here is behind Facebook Lite, then i applaud Facebook’s efforts to focus on the quality of their site. sometimes it’s not about adding more but simplifying which provides an actual target for users to experience.
Sounds like they are trying to grab hold of the Twitter ideal. If it’s a good thing for one company….then they all start to copy.
What’s the deal with the Facebook vs. Twitter showdown lately? Facebook is already top dog and has been for quite some time. For Twitter to even reach the level that FB is at, would take years and years, if ever at all.
With them both, there’s things we like and things we don’t. That’s why a good majority of us are using BOTH. Get it together FB & Twitter…
Let’s all just get along, k?
It’s …
Another hook in the water for social Web users…
Good use for mobile devices as well.
Facebook is releasing a lite edition in countries where it is hard to monetize facebook to reduce their costs. I’m pretty sure there is an interview where they said they had plans to do this a few months ago.
Anyone else find that if they treated Facebook like they do Twitter, their “real friends” from the “real world” would actually delete them for all the noise being sent their way?
Strangely enough with 237 friends on FB and 237 followers on Twitter (and hardly any overlap), I get at least about 50 times as many updates in my feed every single day.
Facebook Lite sure has a perty mouth, but I reckon you’ll have users leaving it up river if its a sign of things to come.
Facebook will build a Twitter competitor, but it will never leave beta and will ultimately be abandoned as not worth the time. Instead, Facebook will “friend” Twitter and the two companies will become strong partners..
I think this would be perfect for the DSi web browser, since the full version can’t run it without it suffering memory issues.
I welcome Facebook Lite with open arms. Navigating Facebook feels like, what I imagine, a 600lb man goes through trying to breathe.
Thanks for your ariticle.
Thanks for great news!
facebook lite may not be the competitors of twitter at the moment but at some point and time facebook will strike them….
looks like facebook is willing to sweep the entire social networking market! like they haven’t already? Facebook Lite either intentionally or unintentionally a threat to Twitter.
Noooooooooo, competition between facebook lite and twitter impossible, i think twitter win the race.
Found a pretty decent review – http://www.mash...er-alternative/
I want to play Farmville where I can accept gifts, neighbours, etc..The Facebook Lite is getting on my nerves cos it doesnt allow me to play properly – I want an option to switch back to the older version – and I want it NOW
i wanted know that why i cant play games & other activities on facebook i wanted to see my profile properly
i also wanted to tell u at cafeworld why i cant send gifts i want older version of facebook now…