JOHANNESBURG - Google has announced the launch of their new app launched Google Go, a new app that provides a lighter, faster, way to search, with everything you need just a tap away.
As more and more Africans come online every year, using mobile phones as their primary and sometimes only internet device, online isn’t somewhere they ‘go’ anymore, it’s where they live - connecting with the people, places and things that matter to them. Weak data connectivity, high data costs and low RAM or storage space often make it hard for people to get the most out of the internet - Google Go is built to handle these challenges.
“Users come to us to experience the web and access accurate information quickly. Unfortunately users can’t always decide on the type of device they have or the kind of connection they are on,” says Google Africa Chief Marketing Officer, Mzamo Masito. “Google Go is designed from the ground up to address these issues and provide a seamless experience irrespective of what device or network the user is on.”
One of the test cellphones installed with the 'Google Go' app
With Google Go, everything you need is just a tap away. Easily search for information or see what’s trending in your country. Find an inspirational quote for a loved one with an image or GIF search, discover places nearby, and browse videos. Access all your favorite apps and websites and discover the top destinations in your country.
The app which takes up just 5 megabytes, is quick to download without using much data, and it takes up minimal space on your phone. It uses the latest version of Google’s advanced compression algorithm, using up to 40% less data to display search results. Search results are also cached on the device so you can quickly re-access previous searches, even when you’re offline, without incurring further data costs. When there’s no internet access, Google Go retries failed search requests in the background and lets you know as soon as the results are ready. Web pages load quickly, even in data-saving mode or on 2G connections.
Coloured doughnuts make up the Google logo at the 'Google Go' launch in Sandton, Johannesburg
Google Go is now avaliable in 26 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa through the Google Play Store. It will come pre-installed on all Android Oreo (Go edition) devices, available in stores soon. It is available for devices running Android v4.3 (Jelly Bean) and above.