Google says NO to Gemini Nano coming to the regular Pixel 8،
Sad news today for those hoping to get Gemini Nano, the mobile version of Google's powerful new AI model, on their older Pixel devices. Initially launching as a Pixel 8 Pro exclusive and powering the device's AI features, it looks like it will stay that way for the existing Pixel lineup.
Hardware limitations: Gemini Nano and Pixel 8
Google confirmed this today on the Android Developer Channel on YouTube, in an episode of The Android Show. In this episode, company representatives shared the latest from MWC 2024, Android 15 and more information about Gemini Nano. When the topic of Gemini Nano came up, the company confirmed that Gemini Nano would not come to the Pixel 8, citing “hardware limitations” as the reason. The company hinted at a broader expansion into “high-end devices in the near future,” giving users hope that at some point their high-end smartphones would benefit from these AI features. However, it seems that non-Pro Pixels, such as the Pixel 8do not meet the specifications needed to run the powerful AI model on the device.
One of the biggest differences between the regular Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro is the amount of RAM it has. THE Pixel 8 has 8GB, while the Pro has 12GB, which probably makes all the difference for running Gemini Nano. Interestingly, this news follows an update to the MediaTek Dimensity 8300 and 9300 chipsets, which are now optimized for Gemini Nano, and could potentially offer non-Google mid-range devices the ability to also integrate these AI features.
Currently, AI features found on the Pixel 8 Pro that use this model are the Recorder app's summary tool, Smart Reply in Gboard, Video Boost, Night Sight in Timelapse mode, enhanced Portrait Lighting in Google Photos, and enhanced Photo Unblur feature. Having these features only available on the Pro models would help set them apart from the regular Pixel lineup and therefore give users a reason to choose the larger model when purchasing.
It will be interesting to see what Google's next step will be when it comes to rolling out exclusive AI features to future devices. Will the Pixel 9 suffer the same fate as the Pixel 8and will users be sufficiently incentivized to upgrade Pixel 9 Pro? We'll have to wait for the next Made by Google event to find out.
