• Source:JND
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Google launched the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro in India in October 2023. While the company noted that the 'Pro' trim has the power to run Gemini Nano on-device, the Pixel 8 cannot run the large language model (LLM) because of "hardware" constraints. It seems the company has finally settled to agree to public pressure as it has shared that Gemini Nano is also coming to the Pixel 8.

The vanilla Pixel will receive the AI model in developer preview to supercharge features like Summarise in Recorder, which can generate a point-wise summary of a recording and Smart Reply in Gboard, which can deliver responses in view of the background context and work on apps like WhatsApp on the Pixel 8 Pro.

Also Read: Pixel 8 Price In India: Google Introduces Vanilla Pixel With OLED 120Hz Screen, Tensor G3 Chip, Android 14; Check Specs, Pre-Order Details

The reason for not allowing the Gemini Nano for the base Pixel initially was due to less RAM, reports speculated in the past. It seems Google is also on the same page. According to PhoneArena, Google said: "Running large language models on phones with different memory specs can deliver different user experiences, so we have been testing and validating this on Pixel 8. We're excited to provide the opportunity for more enthusiasts and developers to try out Gemini Nano, where we hope to get more feedback and see more innovation."

Moreover, Seang Chau, VP of Engineering at Google, recently said in a 'Made By Google Podcast' that "the plan is that we would also make Gemini Nano available on Pixel 8 behind a developer option". The "system health validations" are ongoing to ensure developers can also enjoy a smooth experience.

Also Read: Pixel 8 Pro: Smart Reply In WhatsApp To Summarise In Recorder, Best Features To Try After December Feature Drop

According to 9To5Google, Gemini Nano will arrive on the Pixel 8 with the upcoming Pixel Feature Drop as a developer preview in June (likely Android 14 QPR3). Beyond the two features stated above, developers will get a chance to use AICore for their apps. For context, the Pixel 8 Pro and the flagship Samsung Galaxy S24 series can already run on-device Gemini Nano for AI tasks. Meanwhile, Google also started the roll out of the Circle to Search feature for the "Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, and Pixel 7a".