Google’s Pixel 8 Pro Gets Latest AI Features, Smaller Model Excluded
Google’s flagship smartphone, the Pixel 8, has been touted as the best place to experience the power of AI. However, in a surprising turn of events, Google recently announced that its latest AI models cannot run on the Pixel 8. This revelation was made by Googler Terence Zhang during a Q&A session at the Mobile World Congress wrap-up video.
According to Zhang, the latest AI model, Gemini, will not be available on the smaller Pixel 8 due to hardware limitations. However, it is available on the larger Pixel 8 Pro and the Samsung S24 family. This news raises several questions about Google’s ability to integrate its own AI model with its flagship smartphones.
Gemini is Google’s latest AI model, and it was launched with much fanfare just last month. The smallest variant, known as “Nano,” is specifically designed to run on smartphones as an on-device AI. It is perplexing that Google cannot make this AI model compatible with its own Pixel 8, considering that both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro feature the same Google Tensor SoC and run the same software.
The only notable differences between the two phones are the screen size, battery size, camera loadout, and RAM capacity. While RAM could potentially be a processing limitation, it is worth noting that Gemini Nano runs on the Galaxy S24 series, which also has 8GB of RAM. This raises doubts about whether RAM is truly the issue or if there are other undisclosed differences between the Pixel 8 Pro Tensor 3 and Pixel 8 Tensor 3.
During the Pixel 8 launch event five months ago, Google emphasized the AI capabilities of both devices. The custom Google Tensor 3 SoC was touted as a breakthrough in bringing Google’s AI advancements directly to users. However, the lack of clarity regarding the differences between the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro has left consumers feeling misled.
Google’s compare page on the Google Store fails to highlight any discrepancies in AI processing capabilities or the Tensor chips. This lack of transparency has caused confusion among consumers who expected a clear distinction between the two models.
While re-watching the launch presentation, it is now possible to interpret certain language as an indication of exclusive AI capabilities for the Pixel 8 Pro. However, this interpretation was not evident at the time of the launch, further contributing to the confusion.
The Gemini Nano AI model powers various features on the Pixel 8 Pro, such as the “summarize” feature in the Google Recorder app and “smart reply” in Gboard. However, these features can also be found on other devices without Gemini Nano. Additionally, third-party developers can utilize the onboard Gemini Nano model for their apps, but with limited device support, it remains to be seen if developers will take advantage of this feature.
Another option for AI processing is cloud-based computing, as demonstrated by Google’s Gemini Chatbot. This cloud-based AI solution is separate from Gemini Nano and raises questions about the future of AI capabilities on the smaller Pixel 8.
The disappointment lies in the fact that Google promised seven years of OS updates for the new Pixels, yet they are already stripping down features due to “hardware limitations” after just five months. This development leaves Pixel 8 users wondering about the longevity and full potential of their devices.
In conclusion, Google’s decision to exclude its latest AI features from the smaller Pixel 8 has raised concerns about the company’s ability to integrate its own AI models with its flagship smartphones. The lack of transparency during the launch event and the confusion surrounding the differences between the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro have left consumers feeling misled. Moving forward, it remains to be seen how Google will address these hardware limitations and ensure that all Pixel users can benefit from the latest AI advancements.
