Android Go renamed to Android Oreo (Go Edition), is finally ready to roll out
For the second time, Google has officially announced Android Oreo (Go Edition). Previously known as Android Go, this new variant of Android is designed specifically for low-end Android devices with low memory and data usage in mind.
Android Oreo (Go Edition) (horribly clunky name, I know) has three main differences from the standard edition of Android Oreo, streamlined operating system, optimized default apps and an optimized version of Play Store that highlights lightweight apps.
The Go Edition has improved speed and reliability on low-end hardware, with 15% faster app performance. You also get 2x more free storage as the OS and built-in apps take 50% less space. There is also a data saver feature built-into apps and you can also control your background data consumption.
The preinstalled Google apps have been redesigned specifically for Go Edition. It includes Google Go, Google Assistant Go, YouTube Go, Google Maps Go, Gmail Go, Gboard, Google Play, Chrome, and the new Files Go app by Google. These apps take up less space on the phone and also consume less data and resources while running.
Lastly, the Play Store itself has been optimized to highlight lightweight apps. You can still download any app you want but it will have a Featured Apps section populated by apps optimized for low data use.
Android Oreo (Go Edition) will officially release with the launch of Android 8.1 tomorrow, December 6. It will start shipping on actual devices in the coming months.
