Feature phones recently launched by Nokia use the Linux-based KaiOS system for higher-end models, so you can also download some simple apps to use, which is considered a product between feature phones and smart phones. However, wouldn’t it be better if feature phones can run Android directly? There was such a GAFP project before.
Previous rumors pointed out that Google is developing a GAFP system (Google Android for Feature Phones) designed for feature phones, and HMD Global is also rumored to launch a Nokia 400 mobile phone equipped with a GAFP system. Although this rumor appeared in 2019, it was later canceled. However, recently, someone who broke the news directly announced the trial film.
The whistleblower Hikari Calyx posted a video on YouTube that claimed to be the actual operation of the GAFP system. Although he did not point out which mobile phone was used, Chinese media said that the shape of the mobile phone in the video is the same as the previously leaked Nokia 400, so It can be seen that this phone is Nokia 400.
In the video, it can be seen that the GAFP system is mainly operated by the keyboard. There are many Google applications built in the system, such as Chrome, Google Maps, Google Calendar, Google Assistant, YouTube, etc., and from the video, you can also find that the mobile phone uses The Android 8.1.0 Oreo system, the security update stays in August 2019. In addition, the phone also has built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and can even share files with other Android phones via Wi-Fi.
However, Google cancelled the GAFP project in 2019 and no longer does follow-up research and development. The reason may be seen in the video. It has to wait for a while regardless of opening any program, even entering the program menu. And so on, it’s really not a bonus for the user experience. Although this project did not come true in the end, you can still take a look at what the Android system will look like on feature phones.
Source: 9to5Google