Line Lite app introduced for Android; targets emerging markets

Japanese company Line has introduced a new Android app going by the name Line Lite, which weighs just about 1MB and is targeted for emerging markets. Even though this a light version of the Line app, it still includes most prominent features. The service has 205 million monthly active users, but over half of those are located in Japan, Thailand and Taiwan. The new app will be releasing in eleven countries  including Algeria, Cambodia, Colombia, Egypt, India, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Korea, and Vietnam. The app, which is mostly targeted for smartphones with low-end specifications, retains the same features such as group texting, stickers along image sharing. However, support for audio and video calls and the Timeline feature has been dropped. The company said in a statement that it has plans to add in more features to the app in the future. It added, “Line Lite aims to maximise the user experience while reducing dependence on network infrastructure and the availability of high-spec devices. It promises to play an important role in improving the satisfaction of Line users around the globe, as well as enlarging Line’s user base.” As of now, the company has no plans to release the new app on iOS.