Google Pixel 8 won't get Gemini Nano's AI power due to "hardware limitations"

Google’s recent confirmation that its cutting-edge AI assistant, Gemini Nano, won’t be coming to the Pixel 8 has sent ripples through the tech world. Citing “hardware limitations,” Google has effectively drawn a line between the capabilities of its standard and Pro flagship models.

This news emerges from a recent episode of #TheAndroidShow, where Terence Zhang, a Google developer relations engineer, broke the news. While this compact and efficient AI is gracing the Pixel 8 Pro and Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series, it appears the base Pixel 8 won’t enjoy the same AI-powered enhancements.

The exact nature of the Pixel 8’s hardware limitations remains shrouded in mystery. Some users speculate the limitation is due to the 8GB RAM on the Pixel 8 compared to 12GB on the Pro. However, the Galaxy S24 series manages to run Gemini Nano despite also starting at 8GB of RAM. Google’s silence on the matter raises the likelihood that other, less obvious hardware differences may be to blame.

This unfortunate situation underscores a potential shift in Google’s strategy. It seems the most potent AI features may become exclusive enticements for their higher-end “Pro” models in the future.

For those unfamiliar, Gemini Nano represents a significant optimization of Google’s large language models (LLMs). Designed for local, on-device execution, it grants smartphones remarkable capabilities. On the Pixel 8 Pro, it enhances features like the Recorder app with intelligent summarization and improves Gboard’s Smart Reply across various messaging applications. It’s this potential that renders its absence on the Pixel 8 even more disappointing.

While the news about Gemini Nano not coming to the Pixel 8 is a blow to its owners, there’s a sliver of optimism. Zhang did mention that Google is actively working to bring Gemini Nano to a wider range of devices, specifically targeting other high-end phones. This suggests a future where similar AI features may become staples in the top-tier smartphone segment. In fact, we might see even more advanced models than Gemini Nano arrive on Pixel phones next year.

The Gemini Nano saga extends beyond just the Pixel line. It speaks to the growing challenge of balancing advanced AI features with the practical constraints of smartphone hardware. This is a technological arms race that’s likely to intensify, leaving consumers to weigh their needs and budgets carefully as AI becomes integral to the smartphone experience.