Android 9 Pie (Go edition): New features and more options this fall

We believe everyone across the globe should have powerful, high-quality device experiences. That’s why we introduced Android (Go edition) last year, with the goal to provide a fast and smooth experience optimized for first-time and entry-level smartphone owners.

We welcomed our first wave of Android (Go edition) phones this April, and now there are more than 200 devices available in 120+ countries including India, South Africa, U.S., Nigeria and Brazil. We also continued to refine the core operating system and have added a variety of new useful features to apps like Google Go, YouTube Go, Files Go and more.

Whether it comes with a HD or regular VGA screen, 4GB or 8GB or 16GB of storage, or 3G or 4G support, there’s a Go edition device for everyone. In some countries, devices are available for as little as $30 USD. With more than 100 manufacturers planned to release devices before the end of the year, you can expect even more options when choosing your first Go edition device.

Android 9 Pie (Go edition)

With Android (Go edition), we aim to bring the latest Android improvements to more entry-level phone buyers. As part of the release of Android 9 Pie, we’re introducing a brand new Go edition experience. Pie (Go edition) includes:

• Up to an additional 500MB of storage available out of the box

• Faster device boot times

• Top-of-the-line security features like verified boot

• A accessible dashboard for tracking and monitoring data consumption

Collectively, these features help solve some of the most common pain points for entry-level device owners: storage, performance, data management and security. Keep an eye out for the first devices offering the new Pie (Go edition) experience to hit shelves later this fall.

Go with Google

A core part of the Go edition experience is the fully redesigned set of Google apps, which are specifically built to serve the needs of first-time smartphone owners. These apps include unique features, like free downloading in YouTube Go, that aren’t found in the classic app. Since February we’ve introduced a number of improvements to our suite of apps:

• Google Go now offers the ability to read webpages aloud and highlights each word so you can follow along.

• YouTube Go makes it easier to enjoy videos while using less data with new features like gallery mode for downloaded content.

• Maps Go now features navigation, making it possible for people with Go edition devices or unstable connections to use turn-by-turn directions whether you’re traveling by car, by bus, or on foot.

• Files Go, which has saved users ~90TB of space since launch, is now capable of transferring data peer-to-peer, without using mobile data, at speeds up to ~490Mbips.

• Assistant Go now supports additional languages including Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese and Indonesian, and has expanded support for device actions like controlling Bluetooth, camera and flashlight, and added reminders.

• Android Messages App for Android (Go edition) is now ~50 percent smaller in size and the Phone App includes caller ID and spam detection.

With a broader range of options and better performing phones, more people can come online for the first time and have access to essential, helpful information. We’re excited to keep the momentum going.