Here are all of Google's new lightweight apps in Android Go: Slim versions aimed at emerging markets

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Earlier today, Google announced Android 8.1 Oreo and also the lightweight, slim-sized Android Oreo Go version of the OS which aims to cater to entry-level devices with 1 or less gigabytes of RAM. 

Aside from introducing these hallmarks, Google also released a trove of new slim-sized versions of its most popular Android apps specifically tailored with the Android Go initiative in mind.

The new slim Google apps generally boast the same functionality as their regular counterparts but introduce a host of data-saving improvements that will help keep within the confines of your data allowance. The apps that have received the 'Go' functionality are as follows:

  • YouTube Go
  • Files Go
  • Gmail Go
  • Google Go
  • YouTube Go
  • Google Maps Go
  • Google Assistant Go
  • Google Play
  • Gboard
  • Chrome
The best bit of all is that these would be the first, but not last slimsized versions of popular apps that will target emerging markets. Google actually published a rather comprehensive list of guidelines that should cut developers' teeth into developing optimized apps. These apps shouldn't use wakelocks, should avoid using GPS, and minimize any activity when not in use so that the device could successfully go into power-saving mode as fast as possible. 

Thus, we could expect other popular app developers and companies to go the 'lite' route and cater to non-saturated emerging markets, where the future of mobile technology lies.

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