Google is launching Gemini, its new large language model, on Android, starting with the Pixel 8 Pro. The flagship smartphone will run Gemini Nano, a version of the model specifically built for smaller devices, according to a blog post from Google. The Pixel 8 Pro is powered by the Google Tensor G3 chip, which is designed to enhance AI performance.
Gemini Nano will enable several new features on the Pixel 8 Pro. One example is the Recorder app’s Summarize feature, which currently requires a network connection to provide a summary of recorded conversations, interviews, and presentations. With Gemini Nano, the phone will be able to offer a summary without needing a connection at all. Additionally, Gemini Nano will power Gboard’s Smart Reply feature, providing context-aware responses to messages. This feature is currently available as a developer preview and will expand to more apps next year.
According to Google Pixel’s vice president of product management, Brian Rakowski, Gemini Nano running on the Pixel 8 Pro offers the advantage of preventing sensitive data from leaving the phone and providing the ability to use features without a network connection. In addition, Google is upgrading Bard, its ChatGPT rival, with Gemini, enhancing the Pixel’s Assistant with Bard experience.
The company plans to roll out AI-powered productivity and customization updates on other Pixel devices, including the Pixel Tablet and the Pixel Watch, although specific details are not yet available. Google also announced that Gemini Pro, a larger version of the model, will power other Google services like Search, Ads, and Chrome, among others, while Gemini Ultra is scheduled to arrive in 2024 to further advance AI development.
In addition to the Pixel 8 Pro, Google unveiled AI Core, an Android 14 service that allows developers to access AI features like Nano. AI Core is designed to run on new ML hardware, such as the latest Google Tensor TPU and NPUs in flagship Qualcomm Technologies, Samsung S.LSI, and MediaTek silicon. Google intends to announce additional devices and silicon partners in the coming months.
