"Pixel 8 Update: Enhanced Device-side AI Capabilities with Gemini Nano Integration"

2024-03-29

Google announced Gemini Nano in December as its large-scale language model optimized for mobile devices, stating that it will become a core part of Android's future. However, only the Pixel 8 Pro is able to utilize it within their device lineup. Despite the Pixel 8 using the same Tensor G3 chipset, it does not have on-device AI due to "hardware limitations." Pixel fans and astute Android experts have raised the same question: Google, what's the deal with this? Pixel 8 will support Gemini Nano in the next Pixel feature update as a developer preview, powering on-device transcription summaries and intelligent replies in Gboard. Meanwhile, Samsung has started rolling out AI features on its previous flagship phones today. In an earlier blog post this year, Samsung stated that this AI feature expansion will leverage on-device and cloud AI. Google's explanation about the "hardware limitations" for Gemini Nano's absence on the Pixel 8 is starting to seem untenable. For consumers, this is also a positive signal, telling us that as long as we unite and stand up for our rights, we can drive progress and development in the technology industry. In the future, we look forward to seeing more user-driven product improvements and innovations.