When it announced Gemini, Google also revealed its tiers, one of which is called Nano and runs entirely on-device. The company initially wanted to gatekeep Gemini Nano and only make it available for the Pixel 8 Pro, even though the ‘vanilla’ Pixel 8 has the same chipset.
A lot of online backlash ensued, and what do you know – Google has now changed its tune. Apparently it is possible to bring Gemini Nano to the Pixel 8, and it will arrive as a developer preview with the next Pixel Feature Drop, which is expected in June.
Google noted that it’s noticed a lot of “excitement” for Gemini Nano from Pixel 8 owners – that’s one way to put it. Of course the company once again explains how running large language models like this on phones with varying memory specifications can result in different user experiences. Thus, it’s rigorously tested things on the Pixel 8.
Gemini Nano will power two new features: Summarize in Recorder and Smart Reply in Gboard. These will land on both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, and they will even work offline, since they’re powered by the on-device Gemini Nano.
