FacebookInc. launched Messenger Lite for emerging markets across the globe,with Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Kenya and Venezuela the firstcountries to gain access to the app, according to an Oct. 2 company blog post.

The stripped-down, stand-alone version of the social mediagiant's Messenger app takes up less than 10MB, uses less data and works inareas with poor network connectivity. It includes the core functions of sendingtext, photos and links.

Messenger Lite is available for devices running unit 's Android operatingsystem. More countries will be added to the rollout in the coming months,according to Facebook.