Google Pixel 8 to get Gemini Nano later this year

Google caused quite a stir when it announced the vanilla Pixel 8 wouldn't get Gemini Nano, a condensed version of its AI-powered chatbot. After being denied access to some of Pixel 8 Pro's camera features, Pixel 8 owners rightfully felt punished because they didn't pony up extra for the pro model. Google has taken note of the backlash and announced that the Pixel 8 will get Gemini Nano via the next Pixel Feature Drop.

In the latest Made by Google podcast, Seang Chau, Google's VP of Devices and Services, confirmed that the company has figured out how to work Gemini Nano on the Pixel 8. Generative AI features are notoriously resource-heavy, and the smartphone's 8 GB of RAM was initially cited as a limitation. This explains why OEMs (particularly Chinese ones) are going all-in on memory, with 24 GB RAM becoming the standard, even in mid-range devices.

However, Gemini Nano on the Pixel 8 will be available only via a Developer Preview and not a stable build, at least initially. It will almost certainly affect performance, so you will have to think carefully before sideloading an already unstable developer build to try it . Gemini Nano lets you generate contextual replies in Gboard and summarize audio in Recorder. Unfortunately, the next Pixel Feature Drop won't arrive until June 2025, meaning you may have to wait a while.