A version of Google's Search app that's smaller in size but still packs a punch when it comes to functionality just launched worldwide. Previously, Google Go was only available in India and Indonesia.
At just 7 MB, the app targets low-powered devices in developing countries, providing users a way to find information without the app requiring too much resources or data. It's also able to remember one's search results when the person goes back online or if their connection drops.
Download Google Go Now
The app is now available to download from the Google Play Store, and the company says it will run on basically all Android devices as long as they're running Lollipop and above.
In addition to being designed to work on low-powered devices, the app also boasts a number of features Google says cater to developing markets. One such feature is Lens functionality, which Google added to Go just earlier this year, allowing users to use the app to read text from the real world out loud. Not only that, the Go app also supports voice search and has a function to dictate webpages.
The interface is pretty simple. The home page fronts a bottom search bar, access to voice searchers, and Google Lens. It also has shortcuts to popular online destinations, the ability to customize other app shortcuts, and easy ways to find images or GIFs. In addition, it's also got a weather functionality, a trending topics tab, and users can even set their own wallpaper.
Go Apps Library
Google Go is part of a growing library of lightweight apps Google designed for low-powered devices, to be used in areas where robust data connections aren't always available, or are expensive. There's Gmail Go, a slimmed down variant of the company's popular email client, Gallery Go, which allows users to organize their photos, and more. There's also Android Go, which isn't an app but rather a whole operating system slimmed down so even devices with low specs can run it.
Though these Go line of apps are meant specifically for emerging markets, they have also attracted fans elsewhere thanks to their compact nature and the absence of unnecessary features, not to mention their efficiency on cheaper phones.
Have you tried Google Go yet? How's the experience been so far? As always, if you have anything to share, feel free to sound them off in the comments section below!
