LinkedIn has become the world's favourite professional networking and job search app, and the MIcrosoft-owned service is bidding to truly consolidate its status with the introduction of a brilliant new app, dubbed LinkedIn Lite, that is specifically designed for people who live in countries where mobile data is either unreliable, inconsistent or expensive.
Incredibly, this app takes in only 1 MB of space, which is 80 per cent less than the usual LinkedIn app. With the ability to load pages in a matter of seconds even on legacy networks, LinkedIn Lite still offers all the regular functionality such as news feeds, job listings, messaging and notifications, with graphics scaled back to ensure quicker page loads.
Introduced in India, the LinkedIn Lite app is set to be offered in 60 more countries, where it will ensure that people who don't have several GB of data a month can still use LinkedIn's industry-leading networking software.
Lightweight Networking Apps
The LinkedIn Lite App is Directed Towards Users With Less Data Access
Trend Themes
1. Data-saving Apps - The rise of lightweight networking apps like LinkedIn Lite opens up opportunities for data-saving apps that cater to users with limited data access.
2. Minimalist Design - With the success of LinkedIn Lite, there is a growing trend towards minimalist design in networking apps, focusing on essential functionality to ensure quicker page loads.
3. Global Accessibility - The expansion of LinkedIn Lite to 60 more countries highlights the trend towards creating globally accessible networking apps that take into account the limitations of mobile data availability and affordability.
Industry Implications
1. Mobile App Development - The emergence of lightweight networking apps like LinkedIn Lite presents disruptive innovation opportunities for mobile app developers to create data-saving apps with optimized functionality.
2. Networking and Professional Services - The success of LinkedIn's Lite app indicates a need for networking and professional services industries to adapt to the trends of minimalist design and global accessibility in order to reach users with limited data access.
3. Data and Connectivity Solutions - With the demand for data-saving apps, there is an opportunity for companies in the data and connectivity solutions industry to provide innovative technologies that enable efficient networking and communication with minimal data usage.