Android Go smartphones to debut at Mobile World Congress
Google has confirmed that it will be showcasing its tailored versions of Android Go and Android One-based smartphones at the Mobile World Congress which is set to kick off on February 26 in Barcelona. In a blog post, Google said that starting next week, one can see the first set of Android Go phones and will be soon available for purchase. Here's more.
What we know so far
While Google has not given out names of the smartphones that will feature these tailored operating systems, previous reports and leaks have hinted at Nokia 1 shipping with Android Go (Oreo edition) and Nokia 7 Plus getting Android One. Apart from this, Google is also expected to announce ARCore 1.0 - a new version of its Augmented Reality-focused ARCore platform.
Google aims to offer fluid smartphone experience on low-cost mobiles
"With Android Oreo (Go edition), these phones are able to provide a high-quality experience, with the latest version of Android, Google Play Protect, and dedicated areas in Google Play highlighting applications optimized for Go edition," said Hiroshi Lockheimer, Google's Senior Vice President, Platforms & Ecosystems.
All you need to know about Android Go
Launched last year, Android Go is a low-powered version of Android Oreo 8.1, customized for phones with 1GB RAM or less. Android Go will offer several "Go" applications, for instance, the already launched YouTube Go, Play Store Go and Gmail Go among others. These applications will consume lesser storage and will load faster while retaining core features of the main applications.
And, all you need to know about Android One
Android One was launched to provide a quality stock Android on low-end smartphones along with the power of Google Assistant and timely software updates for at least two years. Though the first Android One phones were launched in 2014, the project gained momentum only in 2017 with the likes of Xiaomi Mi A1, and Moto X4 and HTC U11 using Android One editions.
