Google Go Apps That You Can Install Without Oreo Update
Recently, Google has been launching many new Android apps, and there is even a new range of “Go” versions of its popular apps made exclusively for Android Oreo Go Edition. The Go apps are light on system resources and also use nearly 50% less mobile data. As useful as they may be for low-end devices, unfortunately, they are targeted towards Android Go Phones only. And even if you side-load them, they need an Android Oreo update to work, which is reserved for high-end phones.
However, there are still some Google Go apps that work on regular low-end phones as well. If you have an old Android phone with limited resources, then check out the below 4 Google Go apps that you can install.
1. Google Maps Go
Requirement: Android 4.1 or higher
You’ll need Google Chrome to use this app, but it definitely helps save bandwidth and phone resources as compared to the regular Google Maps app. It’s a web-based app and the actual app only redirects you to the web app inside Chrome browser. You’ll get all the required features such as navigation, POI, real-time traffic, business information, save places, and local transit schedules.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t have the feature to save maps for offline viewing, which could actually be a real data saver. However, if you prefer faster navigation and data saving, then the tradeoff is worth it.
2. YouTube Go
Requirement: Android 4.1 or higher
YouTube Go helps you save mobile data by allowing you to download videos and view them offline. You just need to download it once and it will be available offline right inside the YouTube Go app. You can even share the downloaded videos offline with your friends. It also shows video resolution options upfront along with video size, so you could make a better decision.
The app itself is very light on system resources and won’t hang on even low-end phones. Also, It accumulates less data over time, making it perfect for phones with less storage.
3. Files Go by Google
Requirement: Android 5.0 or higher
Although it isn’t a stripped-down version of any of the Google apps, this new app is specially made for low-end devices. Files Go is Google’s official storage manager that helps you quickly find and share files and clean junk files. It has a smart recommendation feature that helps you clean junk files like unused apps, app data, chat data, duplicate files, cache, etc.
The app uses custom filters to arrange your data and makes finding required files a breeze. You can also separately view phone data and SD card data, and transfer data to SD card with a few taps.
4. Google Go
Requirement: Android 4.3 or higher
This is a lite version of the Google Search app that lets you quickly search for queries while using less resources. The app is hardly 5MB large and uses much fewer system resources than the regular app. It also optimizes the search results to use up to 40% less mobile data while still showing everything you need.
The app offers search suggestions as you type and you can also use your voice to make queries. You won’t find extra features such as Google Feed, but for quickly searching for what you need; Google Go is perfect.
Tip: If Google Go isn’t available for your phone on Google Play Store then you can also side-load it by downloading its APK file.
Ending words
YouTube Go and Files Go are my favorite apps from this list. However, as I depend on offline maps often, I don’t use the Google Maps Go app. Are you planning on using Go apps by Google on your phone? Let us know in the comments below.
