Google[1] is reportedly rolling out Gboard Go app to users with low-end handsets. Gboard[2] is a keyboard app developed by Google for Android[3] and iOS[4] smartphones. It was first released on iOS[5] in May 2016, followed by a release on Android[6] in December 2016. Meanwhile, Gboard Go is a 'lite' app to cater to the users with entry-level smartphones. The lite versions of apps are a part of Google's Android Go[7] project, which includes apps like Files Go[8],Maps Go[9], YouTube Go[10], and more.
As per a report[11] by Android Police, Google is in the process of rolling out a lighter, faster version of Gboard app for low-power low-powered Android smartphones. Also, the Gboard Go app is currently not listed on Google Play, but it can still be downloaded on smartphones with low RAM. Notably, the Gboard Go app is said to only be rolling out to handsets running Android 8.1 Oreo[12]. This means, as of now, only Google Pixel smartphones can run the app.
According to a user cited by Android Police, the Gboard Go app uses under 40MB of RAM. In comparison, the regular version of Gboard app is about 70MB. The app is available[13] to sideload via APK Mirror right now. The uploader notes that the app version 6.9.4 is currently available, and added, "Gboard Go downloaded via Play Store. Used Low RAM patched in build.prop and it prompted me to download that as an update to Gboard. GIFs and Stickers are disabled along with Emoji search."
With the optimised Go apps, Google has been...