Google announced Android Go last year, it’s a lightweight iteration of its Android OS that’s meant for devices with low-end hardware. Google is also going to back it up with Go-exclusive native apps which will also be lighter and less resource hungry. We’ve already seen Files Go and Google Go apps and now we can finally get our hands on the lightweight Google Maps Go app.
The official Android Go website mentions that Google is going to release Go versions of some of its popular native apps. As previously mentioned, the Files Go and Google Go apps are already public and we can expect to see lightweight versions of Gmail and Assistant in the future as well.
The lightweight version of Google Maps strips away many of the features that you find in the full version but retains core functionality. Google Maps Go can be used for detecting location, giving directions for cars, public transit, and walking as well as viewing different layers and sharing current location. It supports more than 70 countries across the globe so it’s an impressive first outing for the app.
Interested users can now sign up for the Google Maps Go beta program via the Google Play Store. The app itself runs in Chrome which means that it’s a Progressive Web App and more or less similar to having a shortcut to the mobile version of Google Maps on your homescreen.
Filed in . Read more about Android Go, Apps and Google Maps. Source: androidpolice