Low-profile phones can also use native, "light version" system Android Go is here | JuTou

At the Google I/O Developer Conference in May this year, Google announced the Android Go project, a simplified version of the Android system built for entry-level smart devices. Recently, with the official release of Android 8.1, this system has also unveiled its mysterious veil.

A lighter version of Oreo

According to Google, Android Oreo (Go edition) will be pre-installed on all low-end smart devices with 1 GB of RAM or less, and will be deeply optimized at the system level to increase the available storage space while improving the running speed.

Compared with Android Nougat, Android Oreo (Go edition) pre-installed with the same applications can release nearly double the available storage space for mobile devices with 8 GB ROM, and the application running speed is increased by nearly 15%. Google said that this will save users 100 hours of time each year and help them make better use of their Android devices.

In addition to optimizing storage space, Android Oreo (Go edition) also has a built-in mobile data saver that is turned on by default. Users can intuitively understand the used traffic and decide which apps can use mobile data. Chrome also has a built-in mobile data management function that can help users save about 600 MB of traffic per year.

Image via The Verge

Of course, Android Oreo (Go edition) does not compromise on security. All Android Go devices have a built-in device finder function, which allows you to locate or erase a lost device at any time by logging into your Google account. The Android Go version of Google Play has a specially optimized threat scanning function that can automatically scan all installed apps offline in the background without wasting any traffic.

Apps also need to slim down

In order to match Android Oreo (Go edition), Google has also launched a series of customized pre-installed applications, including Google Go, Files Go, YouTube Go, etc. The space occupied by them has been reduced by nearly half, while retaining key features and running more smoothly.

Take Google Go as an example. Its installation package size is only 4.5 MB, while data usage is reduced by nearly 60%. The interaction is also more intuitive and easy to understand, so that people who are new to smart devices can also use them proficiently. Google Assistant Go only supports entry-level devices with less than 1 GB of RAM, and can be on standby at any time to interact with users through voice. Gboard can input more than 220 languages ​​and provides practical functions such as automatic error correction, voice input, and GIF emoji search.

Before the official release of Android Oreo (Go edition), Google has released several lightweight applications. For example, Files Go, which was previously reviewed by Xiaopi, can help users manage files, clean up junk files, or quickly share files. YouTube Go was launched in India as early as September last year, and it can also watch videos when the network conditions are weak.

In addition to its own applications, the Google Play Store of Android Oreo (Go edition) has also been specially customized to add a Go edition application recommendation section, allowing users to easily find simplified applications such as Facebook Lite.

Android Instant Apps and PWA (Progressive Web Apps) will also contribute to this, allowing users to experience most functions on the web without having to install the full application.

For the next billion

As an important member of Google's ecological map, the number of monthly active Android devices exceeded 2 billion in May this year (excluding the Chinese market), covering every corner of the world, but Google's ambition is obviously not limited to this.

At the beginning of the Android Go official website, Google said it will work with app developers to work together for the next billion users. In the link provided, Google prepared detailed adaptation guidelines for developers in terms of image optimization, bandwidth usage, backward compatibility, etc., striving to make the app usable by anyone.

Although it is not explicitly mentioned, in the absence of access to China, the focus of Google's billion-dollar goal is undoubtedly emerging markets such as India. Its large population base and rapidly developing mobile Internet have created huge market demand. In the third quarter of this year, India's smartphone shipments increased by 29%. The Android Go project can reduce the cost of mobile phones while ensuring the basic experience, allowing more low-income people to enjoy the fun of smart devices.

Compared with Android One launched in 2014, Android Go is more open. It not only cooperates with OEM manufacturers, but also will be provided to anyone interested as part of the Android open source project. Currently, hardware manufacturers such as MediaTek have announced their support for Android Go, and smartphones equipped with the Android Oreo (Go edition) operating system will be available worldwide in the first quarter of 2018.

In addition to Google, Xiaomi, OnePlus and other manufacturers also regard the Indian market as a key development focus in the future. Let us wait and see who will win the final victory in this fierce competition.