In the first half of this year, Google has launched Android 8.0 Oreo in preview version for developers, following the new 2017 in August operating system for smartphones to be officially launched in the final version.
The new Android 8.0 Oreo has made major changes and improvements over previous releases. Group notifications, support picture-in-picture for video, visible performance enhancements and good battery optimization are just a few of the major new features of the new system.
With Android 8.0 "Oreo" was launched for the first time and a parallel distribution operating system. Android Go.
What is Android Go and what smartphones we can find
Android Go is a version based on Android 8.0 Oreo, drawn and modified for mobile phones with modest hardware resources. Low-end smartphones.
In this distribution of Android, the optimization of the system was sought so as to consume less storage space and operate in reasonable parameters on smartphones with 1 GB RAM under the casing. Cheap smartphones.
Android Go comes with specially optimized applications for him, available in Google Play Store and different from the basic ones by the "Go" label on the icon. For this operating system dedicated to the class of low-end devices, a series of Google applications have been redesigned and optimized for a lower consumption of resources. Processor, storage space, RAM and mobile data.
Besides applications Gmail Go, Assistant Go, Google Map Go and others, the Google Play Store was redesigned. In the Google store you will find on the first page the applications dedicated to Android Oreo, the "Go" distribution. Otherwise, users can install normal applications, developed for more powerful smartphones.
Advantages of Android Go are obvious. Offers stability and reliability on entry-level / low-cost smartphones with modest hardware. 1GB RAM, low processor (CPU) and low storage space.
There are, however, disadvantages. Android Go does not have all the features and innovations available on the standard Oreo Android version. All features and options that might have required RAM, CPU, boot space, and high data usage have been removed.
Applications will be another major issue and Android Go. Google has redesigned and optimized most of the basic applications (Gmail, YouTube, Assistant, etc.) for Android Go. Application developers may not be too interested in Android Go. Being a system present on cheap smartphones, it is unlikely that they will be able to be monetized so as to bring profit to the developer. Advertising in applications or games would not be well paid either.
Disadvantages of Android Go:
- Data Saving does not work on Chrome on https secure pages.
- Data Saving does not work in Incognito mode (Chrome)
- Some websites have trouble locating your location.
- Some images can not be seen clearly in the browser
- Authentication does not work on many websites
However, Android Oreo Go is a good start for companies that want to develop smart, low budget mobile phones.
Nokia is one of the companies that have already announced that the Nokia 2 will receive the latest Android version of Android 8.1 Oreo, the Go version.
