Go faster with Android Go

Now you don’t need a flagship phone for an amazing smartphone experience. Android, the most popular operating system in the world, has just received a major upgrade, one that promises to make your phone faster and more useful. Its name is Android Go.

Vodacom, in partnership with Google, has launched the first Android devices running on Android Oreo (Go Edition) in South Africa.

The Android Oreo (Go Edition) is a version of the Android OS that is optimized for entry level devices with 1GB of memory or less and also comes with a suite of new Google apps.

Android is an open source, highly customisable operating system and, through the launch of its Go Edition, aims to offer users the best Android experience at an affordable price on devices such as Huawei’s Y3 (2018) smartphone, and Vodacom’s Smart Kicka 4. These devices also come with discounted data bundles on pre-paid tariffs. Android Oreo (Go edition) is built for a leaner, faster, and safer experience than ever before:

• Speed and reliability, enabling lower spec devices running Android Oreo (Go Edition) to operate faster and smoother with enhanced new apps which allows users to email, get answers, find directions, play games faster than ever.
• Improved UX, thanks to Android Oreo (Go Edition’s) intuitive design, built with entry level users in mind. The UI design of the platform is efficient, simple, clear and fresh.

The best of Google, by offering a suite of new Google apps designed for increased speed, less storage and efficient data use, including:

• YouTube Go – A brand new app to download, watch, and share videos, while controlling your data spend. Find and discover a world of videos. Download and watch your favorite videos, while controlling your data spend.
• Google Go Assistant – For the first time ever, Google Assistant is available on smartphones with 1GB or less of memory. Ask it questions. Tell it to do things. It’s lighter, faster and always ready to help.
• Gmail Go – The Gmail you love, now lighter and just as fast. Gmail Go saves you time and keeps your messages safe. Get your messages instantly via notifications, read and respond online & offline, and find any message quickly.
• Gboard – Everything that makes a keyboard useful has been built into Google’s Gboard. Autocorrect, voice typing and multilingual typing help you communicate more easily. When it’s time for more fun, say it with GIFs. Emoji, or choose one of the 220 languages built in – the most variety of any other keyboard.
• Google Maps Go – Designed to run smoothly on devices with limited memory and on unreliable networks without compromising speed to provide your location, real-time traffic updates, directions, and train, bus, and city transit information. You can even search and find information about millions of places, such as phone numbers and addresses.
• Files Go – is a storage management app that helps you free up space on your phone, find files faster and easily share them with others. It gives personalized suggestions depending on how you interact with the phone and it can backup files to Google Drive or any other cloud storage platform, without taking up much room on your phone.
• Google Play Protect – Entry-level smartphones now have the same key security features as Android Oreo. And every Android smartphone comes with Google Play Protect, built-in mobile security that keeps your apps and data safe, 24/7.

Android Oreo (Go edition) smartphones solve a lot of challenges people face when buying lower priced phones. Google  has been a forward-thinking partner working with us at early stages to launch Go edition smartphones as fast as possible in their markets.

Vodacom will be debuting two new smartphones this month that support Android Go: the new Huawei Y3, as well as our own Smart Kicka 4.

Vodacom Smart Kicka 4

The Vodacom Smart Kicka 4 is the most affordable Vodacom-branded smartphone of 2018. This compact and light phone is ideal if you are looking for an entry-level smartphone but still want to experience the latest Android-based smartphone experience. And thanks to the inclusion of Android Go, you can have the best of both worlds. With Android Go installed, you are guaranteed access to more than 1 million apps, and there are a few helpful apps pre-installed to get you started, as well as getting you excited to explore more.

Purchase the Vodacom Smart Kicka 4 online at Vodacom online. 

Specs

Huawei Y3 2018

Huawei smartphones are known for their fantastic cameras, and the Huawei Y3 is no exception. The phone’s rear 8MP f/20 aperture camera with autofocus lets you capture better photos with clear and sharp details, while the LED flash ensures great pictures, even in low light conditions. The inclusion of Android Go means the phone needs less storage, and offers a sleek and smooth user experience, while the large, 5-inch display means you can enjoy your favourite videos and games in crystal-clear quality.

Purchase the Huawei Y3 2018 today at Vodacom online.

Specs