Spotify today introduced a Lite
version of its music streaming app so that it can “be enjoyed by everyone,
regardless of your network connectivity, data plan, and whether or not you have
the latest phone”.
The Lite app is geared for
environments where poor connectivity or high data charges remain a barrier to
users adopting the service. In particular, emerging markets will benefit, as
well as South African users who are challenged by the cost of data.
Spotify described it as “a
small, fast, and simplified version of our unparalleled music experience that
works much like the main Spotify app” .
The company says users will still
be able to search and play their favourite songs and artists, save them, share
with others, discover new music, and enjoy playlists, but “with a few
extra features making it ideal for older devices and operating
systems”.
“Spotify Lite was built from the
ground up based on user feedback from around the world, allowing millions more
to enjoy the world’s best music experience — especially in areas with limited
bandwidth and phone storage,” says Kalle Persson, Senior Product Manager at
Spotify. “Lite can be downloaded separately, both for Free and Spotify
Premium users, and used either alongside or independently from the main Spotify
app on all Android phones running version 4.3 or higher.”
The app allows better control of data and storage, using only 10 MB, so that it’s quick to
install and load. It also comes with the ability to set a data limit and get a
notification when you reach it.
Spotify Lite also allows users to
control their cache, and clear it with a single tap.
Spotify Lite is now available in 36 markets* across Asia, Latin America, Middle East and Africa on Google Play with more markets and features to follow. South Africa is included in the initial roll-out.
* For more information, see Spotify’s support pages here.
*Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Peru,
Chile, Colombia, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador,
Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, Egypt,
Algeria, Lebanon, Morocco, Tunisia, Oman, Jordan, Bahrain, United Arab
Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, South Africa, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia,
India.
