Despite Google citing “hardware limitations” on the Pixel 8 as the reason it won’t get native AI features via the Gemini Nano LLM, the company seems to have changed its mind. Google confirmed to Android Authority that the AI will be able to run natively on the cheaper Pixel phone as well, but only through an alternative method. This suggests that this compatibility is still experimental, but at least Pixel 8 users aren’t completely ignored.
The Pixel 8 Pro won’t remain the only Pixel model with access to native AI features
Gemini Nano AI runs natively on Pixel phones and allows AI features to be used without an internet connection. For example, capabilities such as Smart Replies, which automatically compose a reply to a text message or email, integrated directly into the Gboard keyboard, will be able to be realized directly on the device, using the neural processor built into the Tensor G3. The audio recording app will also be able to make AI transcriptions of conversations.
To enable AI features on the “standard” Pixel 8, you need to be a little familiar with Android’s developer features. You need to go to the Settings menu, to the About Phone category and tap on the build number of the software version seven times in a row. This will add the Developer Options section to the settings menu, which includes the option to enable or disable Gemini Nano features. This option appears on the Pixel 8 only after the next Pixel Feature Drop update.
The decision to limit the Gemini Nano to the Pixel 8 Pro was strange from the start, especially since the hardware differences aren’t major ones. The only thing that could affect the operation of a local LLM would be the amount of RAM available, with the Pixel 8 limited to 8 GB, compared to 12 on the Pixel 8 Pro. However, the same Gemini Nano already runs on Samsung phones to enable Galaxy AI features, and the “standard” Galaxy S24 model comes equipped with only 8GB of RAM and has no problem running this AI. Incidentally, the latest OneUI 6.1 update for the Galaxy S23 and last year’s foldable models adds the same AI features, even on phones with 8GB of RAM.
