Google has announced the release of Android 12 (Go edition) a couple of months after releasing the stable version of the full operating system for its Pixel devices.

The Go edition of Android is meant for low-end devices with limited RAM and storage space. The OS has been optimized to work smoothly on low-end hardware without sacrificing the user experience.

With Android 12 (Go edition), Google brings improvements to usability and user privacy as well as some new enhancements and additions.

Below is a look at all the new Android 12 (Go edition) features and improvements.

1. Faster App Launches

Android 12 Go hibernation of apps
Image Credit: Google

Despite the low-end hardware and limited amount of RAM, Google has optimized the latest version of Android Go to improve app opening times by up to 30 percent and with smoother animations.

Similar to Android 12, the Go edition of Android apps can show a splash screen when first launched. The Files Go app is also being updated and will let you restore files within 30 days of deleting them.

2. Improved Battery Life

Apart from faster launch times, Android 12 (Go edition) also promises to improve your device's battery life by hibernating apps that have not been used in a while. This will also help you free up precious storage space on your device. You will be automatically notified whenever unused apps are hibernated.

3. Translate Content Easily

Android 12 Go Edition Translate and Read features
Image Credit: Google

The recent apps screen in Android 12 (Go edition) is gaining the option to quickly translate any on-screen content in the language of your choice. You also have the option to listen to any content you want.

4. Enhanced Guest Mode

The guest mode in Android 12 (Go edition) is being improved, with profiles being made accessible right from the lock screen. This will make it easy to share your device with your friends or family without having to worry about your data and privacy.

Simply tap the profile switcher icon on the lock screen and select Guest mode to switch to it.

5. Share Apps Easily

While you can always download apps from the Play Store, downloading them over mobile data can be challenging in regions with poor network connectivity or expensive mobile data. In Android 12 (Go edition), you can easily share apps with users around you using Nearby Share without using mobile data.

Simply long-press on an app and select the Share app option to share it with your friends near you.

Related: How to Set Up and Use Nearby Share on Android

6. Improved Privacy Controls

Android-12-privacy-dashboard-1
Image Credit: Google

Google is bringing the privacy dashboard from Android 12 to the Go edition of the operating system. The dashboard will show an overview of how installed apps on your device use the various permissions they're given, as well as your data.

You should also see a green or yellow status indication in the status bar whenever an app accesses your phone's camera or microphone. Lastly, you can now share your approximate location with apps instead of a precise one, to help reduce how much they can track you.

Related: How to Get the Android 12 Privacy Dashboard on Any Phone Today

Android 12 (Go edition) Coming to Devices in 2022

Android 12 (Go edition) will debut with new devices due to launch next year. Google's announcement does not make it clear whether the update will make its way to existing Android Go devices or not.

The OS is meant for low-end Android devices with up to 2GB RAM and a limited amount of internal storage that are primarily launched in developing countries like Africa.

It is good to see Google optimizing Android for low-end devices and ensuring they offer a respectable level of performance and features despite their limited hardware resources.