Robert Triggs/Android Authority
long story short
- Google revealed that the artificial intelligence model on the Gemini Nano device will eventually appear on the Pixel 8.
- The AI model and two related features will appear on Pixel 8 as a developer preview in the next Pixel Feature Drop.
- A few weeks ago, a Google employee claimed that the Gemini Nano wouldn’t be coming to the Pixel 8 due to hardware limitations.
Update: March 29, 2024 (2:54 a.m. ET): Google has confirmed Android Authority Gemini Nano will be available to all Pixel 8 users. However, they must enable it through developer options.To access the same content, Pixel 8 users need to go to Settings > About phone, Scroll all the way down and click on the version number seven times.
Original article: March 28, 2024 (10 a.m. ET): The Pixel 8 lacks several features compared to the Pixel 8 Pro, with one of the most controversial omissions being the Gemini Nano AI model. This on-device model supports several native AI features on Pixel 8 Pro, such as Smart Reply in Gboard.
Luckily, Google just announced that the Gemini Nano will be coming to the regular Pixel 8 as a developer preview in the next Pixel Feature Drop. The company said the AI model will power two features on the Pixel 8, Smart Replies in Gboard and snippets in the Recorder app.
Google explained the reason for the delay in a statement:
Running large language models on phones with different memory specifications can provide different user experiences, so we have been testing and validating this on Pixel 8. We’re excited to give more enthusiasts and developers the opportunity to try Gemini Nano, and we hope to get more feedback and see more innovation.
Previously, a Google representative said on the official podcast that the Gemini Nano would not appear on the Pixel 8 due to “hardware limitations.” The Pixel 8 has the same Tensor G3 chipset as the Pixel 8 Pro but comes with 8GB of RAM, while the Pro model comes with 12GB of RAM. Having said that, the Gemini Nano is also available on the regular Galaxy S24, although it’s also available with 8GB of RAM.
We’ve asked Google to clarify the availability of Gemini Nano and related features on Pixel 8 (for example, whether users will need to install any kind of beta software). We will update our article as soon as the company gets back to us. Regardless, we’re glad to hear this feature is finally coming to the regular Pixel 8.