Google has launched Gmail Go for Android. But, unlike other Go apps, Gmail Go has rolled out without a formal announcement, so we don't yet know all of the details. Gmail Go is the latest in a growing line of lightweight versions of popular apps designed for low-end Android phones.
Since 2016, Google has released a series of Go-branded apps. Such as YouTube Go, which is now available in 130 countries, and Files Go. And in December 2017 Google launched Android Go: a pared-down version of Android itself. And now we have Gmail Go.
Gmail Go Lands on Google Play
As noticed by a number of dedicated Android sites, Gmail Go is now listed on Google Play. Google describes Gmail Go as "the Gmail you love, now lighter and just as fast." And, according to those who have tested Gmail Go, that description appears to be accurate.
The lack of an official announcement means we don't know exactly how Gmail Go differs from the fully fledged Gmail app. However, it appears to be a smaller download which takes up less room on your smartphone. It also appears to sync a smaller number of emails to save space.
According to TechCrunch, Gmail Go is only available to select users, and it looks like that means people using Android Oreo (Go Edition). It's listed on Google Play for update purposes, but you'll need to already have Gmail Go installed on your device. Which explains the lack of announcement.
Google is clearly on a mission to introduce lightweight versions of all of its apps. And their availability is bound to grow over time. So while most of us aren't able to use Gmail Go yet (unless you install the APK file), Google could make it available to everyone in the future.
Defaulting to Google's Go Apps
By all accounts, Gmail Go is virtually identical to the main Gmail app. Which makes you wonder why the fully fledged version is so bloated. I can see a day when Google's Go apps become the default versions, even for those of you who own premium Android handsets.
Have you installed any Go apps on your Android handset yet? If so, which one(s)? Are you interested in Gmail Go? Or are you happy with the full-sized Gmail app? Can you see the appeal of lightweight Google apps? Please let us know in the comments below!