Five years after Google released the first version of Android Go, the mobile operating system for entry-level devices, the program has now surpassed 250 million monthly active devices. Last December, Google announced the milestone of: 200 million monthly active Android Go users. So manufacturers have shipped more than 50 million lightweight Android devices this year.
The search giant too announced the new Android 13 (Go Edition) with new features. The company said that one of the major updates that comes with this version is: Google Play System Updates for Android Go devices. That means users can get some critical updates on the fly without having to wait for the phone manufacturer to release them.
“This makes delivery of critical updates quick and easy without compromising on-device storage availability. The result is a phone that stays up to date over time – and you don’t have to wait for the next release or a software push from your phone manufacturer to get the latest and greatest.” explains the company.
In addition, Android 13 (Go Edition) introduces Material You design for better theming and personalization of the phone’s interface. Google first introduced Material You with Android 12 for a ubiquitous system-wide customization experience. For example, if you change your background, the color scheme in the system changes to match.
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In addition, the new Android Go version shows you personalized articles and content when you swipe left from the home screen. This Discover feed also includes short videos and match updates from sports teams you follow.
The new Go Editon update will also include some of the Android 13 features, such as notification permissions and the ability to define languages on a per-app basis. Google said devices running Android 13 (Go Edition) will arrive in 2023.
In September, Google quietly increased the requirement of minimum RAM size up to 2 GB for devices starting or updating to Android 13.
The company is also working on some local forks of Android Go for a custom user experience. Last year, the company teamed up with Indian telecom giant Jio to release an $87 phone called JioPhone Next, featuring a forked version of Android Go.