Meet Facebook Lite
Facebook last week unveiled a new “lite” edition in limited markets (currently only the U.S. and India). It’s intended to support users on slower Internet connections, but the simpler, cleaner interface might appeal to anyone tired of the sensory overstimulation that Facebook has grown into. (See also our first look.) Here’s a closer examination of common screens.
Newsfeed
The regular Newsfeed can get crowded at times. Here it shows requests in the right column, with highlights and sponsored links below it. All this is removed in Lite in exchange for a simplified view of your friends’ status updates.
Lite Newsfeed
The Newsfeed has been simplified. Everything has been moved into one column (note the friend request at the top). There are no longer any shortcuts for applications or sponsored links to the right.
Friends
The regular edition of Facebook offers more functionality than Lite. On the Friends page it shows a list of recommended Friends and also offers to import your E-mail contact lists. This is a useful, but unnecessary feature that is missed in the Lite version.
Lite Friends
The friends list has been simplified. You can toggle between friends and fans of by using the upper tab. Profile pictures are larger and “People you might know” is removed.
Wall
The Lite wall is very reminiscent of Facebook’s earlier days. Everything is more clean thanks to the removal of Apps. Then again, there aren’t any Apps.
Profile
The regular Profile page organizes basically everything in one window and has advertisements on the right side.
Write
The writing box stays hidden until you are ready to post.
Tagging Album
Not much has changed when tagging photos.
New Album
Uploading doesn’t change much in Lite.
Upload
Uploads successful! (That’s consistent, anyway!) What differences have you noticed, and what works and what doesn’t for you?