Google Unveils New App In Nigeria And Sub-Saharan That Makes Search Faster And Lighter

Google has unveiled a new app named ‘Google Go‘ in Nigeria and 29  other sub-Saharan countries that makes search faster and lighter.

According to the global tech giant, the application is designed to solve existing problems faced by 73% of smartphone users who use devices with low memory space and less one-gigabyte Random Access Memory, 1GB RAM.

Google’s Country Director, Nigeria, Juliet Ehimuan disclosed during the launch of Google Go recently said: “There are about 30 million smartphone users and the number increases annually, however, upon expansive and in-depth research in to smartphone usage, it was found that 73% of users have less than or 1GB RAM and low memory space which causes hitches while searching on the internet.

“Also there is the issue of data cost and reliability. Taking all these into consideration, Google has made this innovation, Google Go, based on a new compression technology.”

For now, Google Go is only available on the Google Play store for devices running Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) and above.

App Features

• Google Go is less than 5MB in size,
• Employs data management and compression technology and as such uses 40% less data.
• It has a tap first user interface that gives users one-tap access to everything you are looking for.
• 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.
• Web pages load quickly, even in data-saving mode or on 2G connections.
• It runs on Android 4 devices and above.

Taiwo Kola – Ogunade, Google Communications and Public Affairs Management, West Africa added; “Google Go is built from the ground up with the feedback from user research. Crucial parts of the design, functionality and features of Google Go are inspired by what we learned talking to people in Africa for over a year since 70% of people who connect in Africa do so via a mobile device.”

“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 favourite apps and websites and discover the top destinations in your country,” Google said in a statement.