Android O is a major update for Google’s mobile platform, and it’s bringing with it a major focus on entry-level devices.
Android Go will be a lightweight version of Android O that targets devices with less powerful hardware. Think of it like Android One version 2.0. Android Go will be available to devices with 1GB of RAM or less. Android Go is designed to run smoothly on this hardware and consume less cellular data.
Android Go will include streamlined Google apps. For example, the YouTube Go app that launched late last year will be a part of Android Go, giving you thumbnail video previews, video downloads, and offline video sharing with nearby friends. Google will also highlight lightweight apps that are optimized for Android Go in the Play Store.
Another feature of Android Go will be data management. Android Go will let you easily see your data usage, and thanks to carrier integration, it’ll also let you top-up with more data right on your device.
Google says that Android Go is a part of Android O and that it’ll be a part of every major Android release going forward. The first Android Go devices are expected to launch in 2018.