You can try a Pixel Launcher with Android Go optimizations for low-end phones

XDA-Developers is a large community of developers, many of which enjoy Android development and a hobby and contribute their projects with the public. Since the Google Pixel Launcher isn’t available on the app store, both the Pixel and Pixel 2’s Launchers were repacked into APKs that can be installed on any Android device and would work without the need to root, appropriately named “Rootless Pixel Launcher” by AmirZ, and “Rootless Pixel 2 Launcher” by paphonb, both members of XDA.

The Rootless Pixel Launcher is also optimized for tablets like the Google Pixel Cand comes with various Android for Work features. There is also a specially compiled version that is optimized for Android Go – a version of Android optimized for smartphones with low-end processors, low-res displays, and limited RAM.

   
Source: XDA-Developers

The optimized version features a 4x4 app grid, the Google Feed panel, at a Glance widget, icon pack support, and home screen rotation. Widget support and notification dots are not supported, though. If you’d like to try it out, download the “go-optimized” APK at the source link, keep in mind, you do need to sideload it.

Check out the Via link for more screenshots of the optimized Launcher in action.

Source • Via

First cheap Android Oreo (Go edition) phones will be unveiled at MWC alongside more Android One handsets

Google has revealed that the first smartphones running Android Oreo (Go edition) will become official at MWC next week. The company hasn't named any of the upcoming products, but mentions that some of them will sell for less than $50, which is rather amazing if it pans out (and there are no caveats).

Android Oreo (Go edition) is the version of the OS that's specially optimized for low-end hardware. It's a streamlined iteration of Android, which ships with optimized default apps and an optimized variant of the Play Store that highlights lightweight apps. Google tells us to expect 15% faster app performance on handsets with entry-level specs, and twice the free storage as the OS and built-in apps take 50% less space.

Phones with this OS will have 1GB of RAM or less, and probably 8GB of storage. Google still promises "a high-quality experience".

On the other hand, the Android One program (focused on the mid-range segment) has been running for a while now, with Xiaomi's Mi A1 (pictured above) being perhaps its most popular representative. At MWC some of Google's partners will introduce new Android One devices, so it looks like next week will be filled with announcements of phones running stock Android.

Android One handsets get "faster" access to OS updates for two years, "including the latest AI innovations from Google", and "regular" security updates for three years.

Source