Google officially introduced Android Go during its I/O keynote address. The platform is designed specifically for budget-friendly Android smartphones in developing markets. Android Go optimizes the latest Android releases to run smoothly on low-end devices.
This new Android version allows Google to provide a more inclusive Android experience to users in countries with limited infrastructure and to consumers using entry-level smartphones.
A few years ago, Google launched Android One, but it did not achieve significant success in terms of sales of affordable devices in emerging markets. Android Go shares several similarities with Android One; however, with added improvements and optimizations, Google hopes the new platform will perform better and reach a wider audience.
According to Google, Android Go is a lightweight version of the upcoming Android O. It is specifically designed for low-end smartphones and can run efficiently on devices with 1GB or even 512MB of RAM.
Reports suggest that Android devices with 1GB of RAM or less will automatically run Android Go. In addition to the operating system being optimized for low-memory devices, apps available on the Google Play Store will also be specially optimized to perform well on lower-end hardware.
One example of such an app is YouTube Go. This app allows users to preview video frames before streaming, helping them decide whether they want to watch the content. It also enables users to select video quality before playback, reducing data consumption.
One of the most notable features of YouTube Go is its ability to download videos for offline viewing. While this feature is typically available to paid YouTube subscribers, it will be freely available on Android Go smartphones through the YouTube Go app.
The Google Play Store on Android Go devices will highlight apps that are optimized for power efficiency and low data usage. Since data management is a key feature of the operating system, Android Go users will also be able to monitor their data usage directly from the notification settings panel.
At present, it remains unclear which third-party smartphone manufacturers will introduce devices specifically for the Android Go platform. Google announced plans to launch Android Go in 2018, with more details and announcements expected in the following months.
