It has been confirmed during the Google I/O 2017 in Mountain View, California that the company is working on its latest hardware project, a budget smartphone whose target is to draw the next billion phone owners from around the world. Three years after Google released the Android One device, is the Android Go bound to surpass One lineup's run-of-the-mill triumph?
What is Android Go?
Android Go is a low-range smartphone designed with basic components. It will be built with less than 1GB of RAM and will pioneer the forthcoming Android O mobile operating system. Although the model is affordable, it may not be available in regions like North America and parts of Europe.
The device might start to hit markets next year as soon as Android O become ready for rollout by the end of 2017.
Android Go vs. Android One
While Google puts its hands in the production of the physical components for Android One, the company this time will solely focus on the software side of the device, which marks the major difference between the phones.
Google will zero in on Android O as the core of the phone. Since the phone will wear all things basic, Google ensures the public to bring an OS that supports apps designed to operate efficiently in the face of its complexities.
Since the device will be powered by less than 1GB of RAM, it will have its own Google Play store where apps are handcrafted solely to support the phone's capability.
The so-called Lite apps will be making their way to Android Go. These are expected to consume less power and to operate at lower internet connection. Facebook, Twitter, Skype, Opera, and YouTube, among many others, have lite versions of their apps.
Google's 'billion users' goal
With Android Go, Google aims to draw the next "billion users". This was a similar declaration when it launched the Android One in 2014. Three years after, Google has not met that goal yet.
Some believed Google will rightfully do it this time around. Others believed it is only bound to repeat the history.
