What is Android Go? All the facts you need to know.
When Google announced Android Oreo, it also unveiled a project called Android Go (often referred to as Android Go Edition). It was a new version of the mobile operating system that would focus on low-end devices with limited storage and specs.
However, this update is more than just a clever naming strategy – it’s an entire initiative that aims to bring affordable smartphones with access to high-end Android features.
This article will explain everything you need to know about Android Go and the benefits it brings to users.
How is Android Go Different?
Android Go is a separate version of Android designed for low-end devices.
It’s an optimized version of the OS that comes with a stripped-down feature set. The first version of Android Go ran on devices that have less than 1GB of RAM, however, with the Android 12 Go release, this entry requirement was raised to 2GB. This means that the majority of cheaper Android devices should be able to run Android Go.
These low-end devices will have less storage, less processing power, and a slower connection — so Google has removed unnecessary features to improve performance and make the platform accessible to a broader audience. In a way, Android Go is like Chrome OS for Android – it’s a stripped-down operating system that focuses on simplicity and performance.
There are some important differences, though – while Chrome OS is a fully different operating system, Android Go is an update to the standard Android OS.
Android Go Features
There are five main features that set Android Go apart from the standard Android OS.
- Lightweight Experience: Android Go devices will come with a lightweight OS designed for low-end devices. This makes the OS more responsive and less resource-intensive.
- Streamlined OS: The Android Go OS has been carefully designed to be simple and straightforward. It’s missing some of the more advanced Android features, but it’s easy to navigate and use.
- Recommendations for Data Consumption: Android Go will come with a Data Saver feature that will help you monitor and reduce your data usage. You’ll be able to view warnings when you’re about to exceed the data cap on your plan.
- Accessibility: Android Go will feature a simplified navigation bar and a new text-to-speech model that is easier to understand. It also includes assistive features like a single-button navigation model and gesture navigation. All of these features make Android Go more accessible.
- Security: Android Go comes with Google’s latest security patches and a streamlined security model that doesn’t rely on device-specific signatures.
Limitations of Android Go Devices
Android Go devices are cheaper but have fewer features than devices running standard Android.
While Android Go devices have a lower price point and are great for first-time smartphone users, they might not be the best option for everyone.
Android Go devices are missing some of the signature Android features, like a rich notification system, a visual voicemail, and gesture navigation. This means advanced users will want to look for a device running standard Android.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
