Data Saving Google Products
While we’ve covered Jio’s entry with their 4G LTE offers for India, a land where broadband is still limited to urban areas. But Google has made similar bold moves today with their announcements, starting with a more optimized Google Play store which will work well even on 2G. The idea here is to download all the major parts of Google Play services on Wi-Fi, so browsing is much faster even on weaker signals. Moreover, the Play Store will also now offer a ‘Wait for Wi-Fi’ option before installing an app from the Play Store. On a similar idea, Google also announced a Data Saver mode for Chrome on Android, PC and Chromebooks. This update will help Chrome detect websites that are heavy on bandwidth, reducing the overall data consumption and improving speeds on slower networks. On top of that, Chrome for Android adds a new Download feature that lets users save web pages, videos, music, and pictures on their phone. All downloaded contents can be easily accessed in Chrome’s new Downloads tab, even when the users are offline. And if they go offline before downloading is complete, the process will automatically resume the next time they’re connected.
YouTube Go
YouTube Go is a new app (separate from the YouTube app) also aimed at saving data and working in areas with weak signal. Saying that it is built with 4 concepts in mind (relatable, offline first, cost-effective and social), Google is certainly pushing their own idea of the next billion users with the right approach. Currently, users will need to sign up for YouTube Go by entering their email id on youtubego.com/signup but more and more people will get the app over the next few months.
Google Station
Google had tied-up with Indian Railways last year and continuing this stride, the company also announced Google Station. The service will give their partners an easy set of tools to roll-out Wi-Fi hotspots to public spaces like malls, cafes and universities. Right now, Google offers free Wi-Fi access at 53 railways stations across India and plans to serve around 100 stations by the end of the year.
Allo to Speak in Hindi
Since its launch in the Play Store, Allo has gone on to become one of the most downloaded apps. The standout feature in Google’s messaging platform is their AI-powered Assistant, which will soon speak in Hindi too. This will not only be applicable when asking questions to Google Assistant in Hindi, but also while getting quick replies suggestions.
Excited Yet?
There were some other features announced too for apps like News and Maps too, with the singular aim of conserving precious bandwidth for the average Indian user. Which one of the announcements has you the most excited? Let us know in our comments section. ALSO READ: GT Explains: What is Android Instant Apps and How is it Useful The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
