The Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a are expected to have support for generative AI (GenAI) capabilities on the device via Gemini Nano, and the company has reportedly rolled out an update to a system component that allows manually activating the functionality Gemini Nano is currently compatible with a few smartphones, including the company's flagship Pixel 8 Pro and the Samsung Galaxy S24 series that was introduced earlier this year. Google has already confirmed that the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a will also offer Gemini Nano support for GenAI features on the device.
Google Pixel 8, Pixel 8a Get AICore Update with Hidden Toggle
In a teardown of the latest AICore APK for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a, Android Authority spotted two toggles that are expected to appear in the developer options menu. The first option, Enable AICore Persistentit will dedicate a portion of the device's memory so that it can run persistently.
Meanwhile, the Enable GenAI features on your device The toggle will allow users to enable or disable GenAI features on their smartphone. The toggle description states that this will control AI features powered by AICore and use Google's Gemini AI model.
AICore enable or disable Pixel 8, Pixel 8a could be disabled by default
According to the post, Gemini Nano on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a may need to be enabled via the developer options menu. While Google might announce these features via Pixel Feature Drop, it's currently unclear if the recently discovered changes will be moved to another part of the Settings app.
The teardown also reveals the location of these settings on Pixel smartphones, once they are activated. After opening the Settings app on these phones, users should go there Development options > AICore configuration and enable both Enable GenAI features on your device i Enable AICore Persistent alternate
On the other hand, enabling the toggles on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a should enable some (if not all) Gemini Nano features like Write for Me, Summarize in Pixel Recorder, and Smart Reply for Gboard. New toggles spotted on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a suggest that owners of the Pixel 8 series (including the Pixel 8 Pro) should also be able to turn off these features, if they don't want AI features on their smartphone.
