Google announced the launch of its low-powered Android version in India few months back, promising low-end smartphones, with promising features and functionality.
But that was then, and we’re almost coming to the end of February and still no sign of devices for which the Android Go apps have been designed. So, where are they? According to a latest report, the certification of the Oreo phones at Google’d end has delayed the launch of the devices.
Apparently, phone brands like Micromax are still testing the devices, which has forced them to delay getting the required certification of Android Oreo Go from the search-giant. This in turn has resulted in Micromax postponing the launch of the Bharat Go smartphone from February to a later date.
Having said that, Micromax isn’t the only brand which is facing delays with this situation. Other notable brands partnering with Google for Android Go are Lava, Intex and Karbonn among others.
We’re not sure if both the parties are behind the delay, but if Google doesn’t want history to repeat itself (like Android One), then a quick intervention and support for the phone maker could speed things up.
Android Go is basically Google’s way of accepting that the regular version of Android has become too powerful to run on entry-level devices; which is why, the developers at Google have managed to streamline the size of apps for Android Go from double-digit MBs to as low as 3MB. They’ve even managed to get products like Google Assistant, WhatsApp and Facebook to work on this version of Android.
The Oreo Go devices were also seen as a likely competition for Reliance Jio’s 4G VoLTE feature phone called JioPhone. But as things stand right now, Jio might actually work along with Google to make its very own Android Go device, for which Mediatek has confirmed to be the chipset partner.
Other than the mentioned Indian brands, we also expect HMD Global, Asus and probably Xiaomi to come up with their products in the Oreo Go segment.
In a market like India, where there are millions of people still waiting to experience smartphone and internet, Android Go could be Google’s trump card to amplify its reach across the country.
(The Quint, in association with BitGiving, has launched a crowdfunding campaign for an 8-month-old who was raped in Delhi on 28 January 2018. The baby girl, who we will refer to as 'Chhutki', was allegedly raped by her 28-year-old cousin when her parents were away. She has been discharged from AIIMS hospital after undergoing three surgeries, but needs more medical treatment in order to heal completely. Her parents hail from a low-income group and have stopped going to work so that they can take care of the baby. You can help cover Chhutki's medical expenses and secure her future. Every little bit counts. Click here to donate.)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)