At an event in India this week, Google officially launched Android Go. Android Go is a smaller and more lightweight version of the Android OS that's designed to be more efficient on less powerful hardware, and following this, both Qualcomm and MediaTek have announced plans to support the platform.
On the Qualcomm side of things, we'll soon see both low and mid-tier Snapdragon processors made available to OEMs that are working on devices powered by Android Go. Per Vice President of Product Management, Nancy Fares:
We are excited to implement Android Oreo (Go edition) within the Qualcomm Snapdragon mobile platform family as it will enable consumers around the world to experience a more robust operating system for lower cost smartphones. Android Oreo (Go edition) delivers an optimized Android user experience key for emerging regions where lower bill of materials costs are especially attractive, as well as in established regions for pre-paid and lifeline uses.
As for MediaTek, the company's MT6739, MT6737, and MT6580 processors now all support hardware running Android Go. The MT6739 and MT6737 SoCs will be used for 4G devices, whereas the MT6580 will be used for 3G ones.
Commenting on this announcement, MediaTek's General Manager of Wireless Communication, TL Lee, said:
Today's announcement builds upon our existing work with Google, including our recent collaboration on Google's GMS Express to speed up the certification process. With Android Oreo (Go edition), we are partnering with Google to tackle the performance challenges of lower memory phones, improving the user experience of entry level smartphones for consumers in key markets across India, the Middle East & Africa, Latin America and South East Asia.
Both Qualcomm and MediaTek are expected to have their processors in Android Go hardware in early 2018.
Google launches Android Oreo (Go edition) for entry-level phones
Renders of the Galaxy S22 Ultra give us major Note vibes in the best way
Leaked renders of the Galaxy S22 Ultra reveal a built-in S Pen slot, something that was missing on this year's Samsung flagship launches.
There are the best PSVR controllers you can buy
There are four options when it comes to which controller you can use with the PlayStation VR. Here's a rundown of those options and how you can determine which is best to add to your collection.
The iPhone 13 event leaks were wrong, but that doesn't make Apple right
The iPhone 13 is arriving for many consumers, but the devices leaked prior to the event were a bit different from what was announced, proving many leakers wrong. However, did Apple's secrecy prove to be a double-edged sword?
These are the best microSD cards you can buy for Android
A microSD card makes it easy to move your files, photos, and music from device to device without having to rely on steady Wi-Fi or costly data. It also helps if you like to load your phone with apps. These are the best microSD cards you can buy for an Android device.