HIGHLIGHTS
- In 2014, Google released Android's Lite mode.
- In 2015, Google provided the ability to completely disable graphics in order to consume less bandwidth.
- Lite mode will be accessible till the 29th of March.
Google is deleting a Chrome for Android feature that has been used for years to help customers reduce their mobile data usage. Chrome's 'Lite mode' will be phased out with the release of Chrome M100 in late March.
When Google initially debuted Lite mode on Android in 2014, it was branded as Data Saver. Many smartphone customers back then were on tiered data plans and faced additional charges if they exceeded their monthly allocation. And, because mobile connections were limited in some areas, Lite mode helped pages load faster by compressing them.
Google offered the ability to completely block graphics in 2015 in order to use even less bandwidth. However, Google no longer sees a compelling reason to keep the choice available. Unlimited internet plans are once again the norm, and Chrome, according to the firm, has continued to reduce data use with default settings.
"In recent years, we've witnessed a fall in the cost of mobile data in many places, and we've deployed several enhancements to Chrome to further limit data use and speed Web page loading," the firm said this week on a support website. "Although Lite mode is being phased out, we remain dedicated to ensuring Chrome provides a fast webpage loading experience on mobile."
Chrome for Android M100 will be delivered to the stable channel on March 29, therefore Lite mode will be accessible till then.
