Saturday, 16 November 2024
29.4 C
Singapore

In brief: Google’s lightweight search app, Google Go, launches to Android users worldwide

Google Go, a lightweight version of Google’s search app, is today becoming available to all Android users worldwide. First launched in 2017 after months of beta testing, the app had been designed primarily for use in emerging markets where people are often accessing the internet for the first time on unstable connections by way of low-end […]
  • Go, a lightweight version of Google’s search app, is today becoming available to all users worldwide.
  • First launched in 2017 after months of beta testing, the app had been designed primarily for use in emerging markets where people are often accessing the internet for the first time on unstable connections by way of low-end Android devices.
  • Like many of the “Lite” versions of apps built for emerging markets, Google Go takes up less space on phones — now at just over 7MB — and it includes offline features to aid those with slow and intermittent internet connections.
  • The app’s search results are optimized to save up to 40% data, Google also claims.
  • Beyond web search, Google Go includes other discovery features, as well — like the ability to tap through trending topics, voice search, image and GIF search, an easy way to switch between languages, and the ability to have web pages read aloud, powered by AI.
  • At Google’s I/O developer conference this spring, the company announced it was also bringing Lens to Google Go.
  • Lens allows users to point their smartphone camera at real-world objects in order to bring up relevant information.
  • In Google Go, the Lens feature will help users who struggle to read. When the camera is pointed at text — like a bus schedule, sign or bank form, for example — Lens can read the text out loud, highlighting the words as they’re spoken.
  • Users can also tap on a particular word to learn its definition or have the text translated.
  • Google Go is one of many lightweight apps Google has built for emerging markets, along with YouTube Go, Files Go, Gmail Go, Google Maps Go, Gallery Go and Google Assistant Go, for example.
  • The Google Go app will be available on the Play Store to global users running Android Lollipop or higher.

Hot this week

Best smartphone for 2024: Apple and Samsung, OPPO, Google phones reviewed

Explore the best 2024 smartphones: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, OnePlus 12R, and OPPO Find N3 Flip. Compare AI capabilities, camera tech, and designs to find your ideal match.

Steam’s latest update introduces free gameplay recording for all users

Steam now offers free gameplay recording with easy sharing options for all users.

ChatGPT’s new voice mode brings real-time conversations to desktops

ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode lets PC and Mac users enjoy real-time voice chats, adding natural interaction to AI for an improved user experience.

Meta’s collaboration with the US government fuels questions about AI use

Meta partners with US agencies to explore AI in the public sector, collaborating on projects with the State Department and Department of Education.

ChatGPT launches live search with real-time information

OpenAI launches live search for ChatGPT, enhancing AI accuracy with real-time information, no ads, and media partnerships just in time for the US elections.

World of Warcraft teams up with Diablo Immortal for an epic 20th anniversary event

Celebrate 20 years of World of Warcraft with the Diablo Immortal "Eternal War" crossover, live now with exclusive battles, rewards, and cosmetics.

Microsoft shuts down Beta testing channel for Windows 10

Microsoft shut down the Windows 10 Beta channel as the OS nears the end of support. Users were moved to Release Preview, and minimal updates were planned.

US confirms US$6.6 billion CHIPS Act funding for TSMC

TSMC secures US$6.6 billion in CHIPS Act grants to expand in Arizona, marking a milestone in US semiconductor development and job creation.

NASA tests AI chatbot to simplify complex Earth data

Nasa unveils Earth Copilot, an AI chatbot that simplifies satellite data analysis. It aims to make geospatial insights accessible to everyone in seconds.

Related Articles

Popular Categories