Meta pulls the plug on Messenger Lite

Meta

Meta is discontinuing Messenger Lite, a simplified version of its messaging app for low-bandwidth regions, next month. The app has reportedly been removed from the Play Store for new users, signalling that Meta is ready to phase out Messenger Lite. Existing users can still reinstall the app from the Play Store, but they will see a message urging them to switch to the full-fledged Messenger app or FB Lite when they launch it. 

Messenger Lite was once also a great option for people who wanted to use Facebook Messenger without the unnecessary frills. It also provided a respite from the cluttered and bloated main app. However, Messenger Lite had some drawbacks, such as the lack of video calling. Moreover, most Android phones today can handle the main app, which has more features than the stripped-down version.

The end of Messenger Lite follows Meta’s announcement that Messenger will stop supporting SMS on September 28, indicating that the company is abandoning its ambition to be the ultimate messaging platform.

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PlayStation Portal: Everything you need to know about Sony’s portable PlayStation

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Sony

Sony’s portable PlayStation, the PlayStation Portal, is set to launch later this year. This handheld device lets you stream PlayStation 5 games over Wi-Fi on an eight-inch LCD screen running at 1080p resolution at 60 frames per second. The PlayStation Portal will cost USD 199.99 and will be available in time for the holidays.

The PlayStation Portal has controllers on its sides resembling the PS5 DualSense controllers. They have adaptive triggers and haptic feedback to make PS5 games feel immersive and realistic. The PlayStation Portal can also play media content because it mirrors your PS5. However, you need a Wi-Fi connection to use the PlayStation Portal since it does not support offline gaming.

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'Dune: Part Two' pushed back to March 15 amid Hollywood labor actions

Warner Bros.

Dune: Part Two has been postponed to March 15, 2024, because of the ongoing writer and actor strikes. The film, which was slated for November 3, needs the publicity from its star-studded cast to reach its full box office potential. Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment decided to delay it for over four months after holding out as long as they could.

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