Contrary to earlier assertions, Gemini Nano is indeed set to debut on the Pixel 8, marking its expansion beyond previous expectations. While Google has not provided extensive details regarding the AI’s functionalities on the smartphone, it’s anticipated that Gemini Nano’s performance on the Pixel 8 may mirror that of its counterpart on the Pixel 8 Pro.
Reports from 9To5Google suggest that Gemini Nano will power two key features on the Pixel 8: Summarize in Recorder and Gboard Smart Reply. Summarize in Recorder is designed to generate summaries for audio files stored on the Recorder app, even identifying and highlighting key points of interest within conversations. On the other hand, Gboard Smart Reply leverages contextual understanding to offer intelligent reply suggestions tailored to ongoing conversations. While these features have been observed on the Pixel 8 Pro, where they integrate with Google Messages and other third-party messaging apps like WhatsApp, their full implementation on the Pixel 8 awaits confirmation.
An official launch date for Gemini Nano on the Pixel 8 has not been disclosed. Speculations suggest that the update may be included in the June Pixel Feature Drop; however, it will initially be released as a developer preview, potentially requiring additional steps for access.
The previous claim suggesting hardware limitations as a barrier to Gemini Nano’s integration on the Pixel 8 seems to have been disproven. Despite initial concerns regarding the device’s 8GB RAM configuration compared to the Pixel 8 Pro’s 12GB, Google appears to have overcome these obstacles, ensuring smooth operation of the AI on devices with lower memory capacity.
Looking ahead, the question arises whether the rumored Pixel 8a will also receive support for Gemini Nano. While leaks have provided some insights into the upcoming budget Pixel model, details regarding its RAM configuration remain uncertain. If the Pixel 8a follows the footsteps of its predecessor, the Pixel 7a, with an 8GB RAM configuration, it may indeed be compatible with Gemini Nano, barring any unforeseen restrictions.