Google back at the Google for India event in 2017 announced the Android Oreo (Go Edition) for entry-level Android devices along with a suite of optimized apps including Google Go, Google Assistant Go, YouTube Go, Google Maps Go, Gmail Go, Gboard, Google Play, Chrome, and the new Files Go app. While the Maps Go, YouTube Go were recently rolled out, it is Gboard Go that is rolling out now.
The Go edition apps are optimised to work smoothly on low-cost Android phones with 1GB RAM or less. The apps are available for Android phones running 8.1 Oreo. The Gboard Go doesn’t have a Play Store listing of its own, but the app can be side-loaded. Features of Gboard Go app include themes, gesture typing, and integrated search and it installs on top of the standard app.
However, GIF search, stickers, and One-handed mode are a no-show. The Go edition keyboard is about 40MB, while the original is 70MB. According to the uploader of the APK, the update with v6.9.4 is showing up for devices with a low RAM.
Though the file release calls itself as ‘lite release’ it definitely sounds like a Go edition. You need Android 8.1 Oreo phones for the keyboard to work. The App is currently not available on Play Store, but you can download the APK from here and side-load it.