New Google app will cut data costs of Africans struggling with slow internet
Google is releasing an app in Africa that will help internet users overcome obstacles such as the lack of high-speed connectivity and the cost of data on the continent.The release of Google Go is the US technology giant’s latest attempt to extend its reach into emerging markets such as sub-Saharan Africa, where Facebook is also making inroads. The Alphabet unit has laid fibre-optic cable on the continent, eased access to cheaper Android phones and trained a workforce in digital skills.The new app reduces the amount of data needed to display search results by 40% and allows previous searches to be accessed offline. The internet giant has also adapted the voice function to work better on slow connections, even as basic as 2G networks, according to Google Africa chief marketing officer Mzamo Masito."Weak data connectivity, high data costs and low storage space often make it hard for people to get the most out of the internet," he told reporters on Thursday. "Google Go is built to handl...
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