Google’s new AI system, Gemini Nano, was first only for the Pixel 8 Pro. Now, it will also be for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a. But there’s a small problem.
Gemini Nano for Pixel 8 and 8a
News came out that Gemini Nano would be coming to Pixel 8a and Pixel 8. At first, it was only going to be for the Pixel 8 Pro because this phone had the right parts for the AI system. But then, Google said that Gemini Nano would also be for cheaper phones. But, there’s a hard part for Pixel 8 and 8a users. If they don’t see it, they might not get Gemini Nano on their phones.
User Activation Required
The hard part is that Gemini Nano has to be turned on by the user on Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a. So, if you don’t turn on the AI system on your phone yourself, you might not get to use it at all. A look at the Google AICore app by Android Authority showed a switch to turn on Gemini Nano. This shows that the AI system that works on the phone itself is coming to all Pixel 8 series phones. It also shows that Gemini Nano won’t be turned on by itself for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a.
In the meantime, the Pixel 8 Pro and even the Samsung Galaxy S24 series have Gemini Nano turned on by itself.
Switches for Gemini Nano
The switches are found in Settings > Developer Options > AICore Settings on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a. The first switch lets AICore use all resources, while the second one turns on Gemini Nano.
Why are the Switches Off?
But why did Google decide to keep these switches off by itself? The answer could be in the parts. Google has been clear about this—only the Pixel 8 Pro has the right parts to fully support Gemini Nano. Even though the Pixel 8 uses the same Tensor G3 chipset, the Pro version has 12GB of RAM compared to the 8GB on the Pixel 8 and 8a.
What is Gemini Nano?
For those who don’t know, Gemini Nano is Google’s light AI system which lets phones do AI tasks without needing an internet connection.
Future of Gemini Nano
Google might make Gemini Nano available for the Pixel 8 and 8a soon. So, you should check your settings to make sure that you don’t miss out on this feature.
Google Pixel 8a Specifications
Talking about the Google Pixel 8a, it was launched earlier this month and has a 6.1-inch OLED Actua display with a 1080 x 2400 resolution, 430 ppi, and a 120 Hz refresh rate, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass. The phone is 152.1mm x 72.7mm x 8.9mm, weighs 188 grams, and has a screen with rounded edges.
The Pixel 8a has Google’s Tensor G3 chipset and Titan M2 security coprocessor, and 8 GB LPDDR5x RAM. The back camera system includes a 64-megapixel main lens and a 13-megapixel wide lens, while the front has a 13-megapixel camera. AI features like Best Take, Magic Editor, and Audio Magic Eraser make the camera better.
The Pixel 8a has a 4492 mAh battery, which Google says lasts all day.