How Android One and Android Go are different from stock Android

In just a few years, such a greenhouse regime has caused an avalanche increase in the number of released smartphones and tablets on Android. Some large companies got so carried away by modifying the system that they essentially created their own operating systems, which over time became very similar to the original image.

Although the freedom to use and modify Android helped Google win over all the major manufacturers, it ended up playing against it. The company simply ceased to control the development of the Android device market, which faced two main problems: fragmentation and lack of updates, the release of which was now completely dependent on manufacturers.

Android One

In 2014, Google introduced the Android One initiative to address these issues. In essence, this is a set of standards that a manufacturer must adhere to when releasing its products. Smartphones marked with Android One must meet the specifications stated by Google.

The operating system of these smartphones matches the original Android image, which should ensure the fastest possible deployment of subsequent updates.

By the way, according to the terms of the program, they must come for at least 18 months.

With the release of Android One, the company has tried to regain at least some of its control over the Android mobile market. First of all, the initiative was deployed in some countries of Asia and Africa, where the initiative of manufacturers is manifested especially clearly. Google provides manufacturers with priority marketing and technical support in exchange for participating in the program.

However, the results of the launch of the program are not yet encouraging. For most manufacturers, the idea of Google did not seem very attractive, so devices with the Android One logo can literally be counted on one hand. Among the most famous are Xiaomi Mi A1, Moto X4, X1, GM6, S2, S1, GM5, GM 5 Plus, HTC U11 Life and almost all smartphones of the new Nokia.

However, this does not mean that the Android One initiative has completely failed. Let's hope Google comes up with additional bonuses that will attract new companies to it.

Android Go

Android Go is a completely different initiative. While Android One aims to streamline the release and update of new devices, Android Go serves to conquer new markets.

In 2017, Google's management realized that the growth in the number of Android devices could not continue indefinitely and the company would face the end of a more or less paying population. The way out is the release of new super-budget devices for billions of low-income people in Asia and Africa who have not yet been covered by mobile networks.

For the same reason, by the way, we constantly hear about supposedly charitable initiatives to distribute free Internet to poor countries and continents from satellites, airships and autonomous drones.

Android Go is a lightweight version of the Android 8.0 Oreo operating system. Everything unnecessary has been removed from it, including some functions, visual effects and additional applications. Google even released special modifications of its programs and services for this system, which do not require memory space and work even on a very weak processor.

The main thing is the possibility of launching and comfortable operation of such a system on devices with very low performance and price.

At the same time, third-party software developers are not yet very active in supporting Android Go with the release of light versions of their programs. This could lead to the fact that the owners of smartphones with Android Go will be forced to install conventional mobile applications, which, in general, will reduce all efforts of Google to create fast low-budget devices to zero.

The Android Go system was introduced quite recently, so few smartphones under its control have been announced so far. However, there will be a lot more of them soon, especially in the emerging markets for which Android Go is designed.

Outcomes

So, if you see a smartphone with Android One on the counter or in the catalog of an online store, this means that its technical specifications and software comply with Google's recommendations. The operating system of such a device will be as close as possible to the stock Android image, and it should be updated within one and a half or even two years. We must take it.

If you come across a device marked Android Go, then this is an ultra-budget gadget that runs on a light version of Android. Such a smartphone can be used mainly for calls and communication, although it allows rare forays into the Internet, watching videos and other interactive entertainment. Think carefully before buying.