Enabling Gemini Nano on a Google Pixel 8: A Guide
Google drew some criticism when it announced that the upcoming Pixel 8 wouldn't have the Gemini Nano feature, preventing it from benefiting from on-device AI functionalities. But, it seems that Google has changed its mind and will now bring AI features to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a. According to recent reports, Gemini Nano could potentially be released for the Pixel 8 soon. However, the AI features themselves are not currently available, but the option to activate them is, so it's a good idea to set things up in advance in anticipation of their release.
Unlike most device updates, which usually enable new features by default, the Gemini Nano features won't be activated on the Pixel 8 by default. This is because the necessary features weren't actually activated on the chip. To work around this, Google has incorporated a toggle that you can use to enable Gemini. You'll need to access the Android AICore settings on your device to set it up.
How to turn on Gemini on Pixel 8
To activate Gemini on Pixel 8, you'll need to enable developer settings. To do this, go to Settings > About Phone, and find the build number, which is located near the bottom of the list. Tap the build number seven times until a popup appears, stating that developer mode has been turned on.
Next, head to Settings > System > Developer options > AICoreSettings. If the toggle to enable on-device Gemini features is available on your phone, it will appear as an option in the list that says "Enable on-device Gemini features."
Simply tap the toggle to enable Gemini features, and voila, you've activated the pending AI functionalities.
Keep in mind that at this time, the Gemini features don't seem to do anything. As they have not been released, you can't actually use them yet. It's unclear when Google plans to release these features, but they will likely be included in a future Android Feature Drop, as Google recently unveiled eight new features in the May Feature Drop.
For now, doing this will simply prepare your device for the activation of future features, providing a seamless experience once the updates become available.
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After Google announced that the Pixel 8 wouldn't initially include the Gemini Nano feature, there were concerns about its AI capabilities. However, recent reports suggest that AI features could be introduced to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a soon. To prepare your Pixel 8 for these upcoming AI features, you'll need to enable Gemini by turning on developer settings, accessing AICoreSettings, and enabling the "Enable on-device Gemini features" toggle. Although the Gemini features are not currently functional, enabling them in advance will ensure a smooth transition once they are released.
With the upcoming release of the Gemini Nano on the Google Pixel 8, tech enthusiasts are eager to explore its potential. The Pixel 8 already boasts impressive specifications, and the addition of Gemini Nano could further enhance its on-device AI capabilities, making it a standout choice in the tech market.
