Google promised an Android version for low-end devices and now, it's making good on its word by introducing the new Android Oreo Go.
Each new Android build has brought a slew of new features and functionality, pushing the envelope on what mobile devices can do. At the same time, however, Android also required a minimum set of hardware specs to work its magic, and many entry-level handsets didn't qualify for sleeker Android builds.
Android Oreo Go For Low-End Hardware
That's about to change with the new Android Oreo Go Edition, first announced back in May at the Google I/O conference. This special Android version is tailored for low-end hardware with less than 1 GB of RAM, which would usually make it tough to support newer Android builds. Android Oreo Go is now ready to hit developers and device manufacturers, aiming to redefine what low-end smartphones can do.
Android Oreo Go is basically an Android Oreo build custom-designed to run well on devices with 512 MB or 1 GB of RAM, as opposed to higher-end devices that come with up to 6 GB of RAM. It's not yet available to end users, but that shouldn't take too long now.
Having Android Oreo work well on both high-end flagships and low-end budget phones is no easy task. However, Google says it managed to do it with the new Go Edition released along with Android 8.1.
Android Oreo Go Perks
With Android Oreo Go, Google has implemented key performance and storage improvements so that low-end devices can do more with less. Entry-level phones often come with little RAM and storage and even less remains available to the user once the OS and apps take their share.
Android Oreo Go makes apps lighter and 15 percent faster to load, lightening the overall load. Google also says that it optimized its preinstalled Google Apps to occupy half the space they used to, which in turn doubles the amount of storage available to the end user on a basic smartphone. The new set of Google Apps are also designed to cater to the needs of first-time users.
A new version of the Google Play Store, meanwhile, shows users which app would work best on their device. Users are still free to download any app they want, but this tip should make it easier to choose the best option.
Android Oreo Go Data Saving Features
Google also says that the new Android Oreo Go comes with data-saving features baked in, turned on by default. In Google's Chrome browser, for instance, Data Saver can help users conserve more than 600 MB of data per year. The Data Saver also enables users to easily manage which apps run in the background, consuming data even when the phone is inactive.
Android Oreo Go devices also come with Google Play Protect baked-in, as well as all of the security features of the regular Android Oreo. This should ensure that devices, apps, and data remain secure even offline.
From now on, Google plans to push future Android Go editions shortly after the full OS releases. Google also notes that it currently has more users in India than it does in the United States, so the first devices to take advantage of Android Oreo Go might launch in India.
