The Pixel 8 will also be able to take advantage of artificial intelligence, just like the Pro model.

When we want, we can. That’s a small lesson to take away from this short series with a happy ending.

Last week, we learned that the Google Pixel 8 smartphone will not receive the same Gemini Nano AI features as the Pro model, citing “technical limitations.” However, both smartphones have the same configuration, except for 4GB of RAM, which many doubt will make a real difference. Google eventually reversed its decision.

Pixel 8 will be eligible for Gemini Nano.

This shows that bad hype is a powerful lever for getting change from big companies. After a short week of frustration, Google has updated its support page for Gemini Nano – a lightweight version of Gemini that can run locally on certain devices – to include the “classic” Pixel 8.

Specifically affected are the audio summary (voice recorder) and smart replies features on the Gboard keyboard. In fact, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will actually benefit from the same AI features, just as they should have all along.

These features should arrive soon during the next Google Pixel Feature Drop. However, The Verge clarifies that these features will initially be hidden in the phone’s developer menu as they are still experimental (which does not prevent them from being activated).

The Big AI Compatibility Mystery

This episode illustrates how big tech companies are scratching their heads trying to decide which of their products will actually qualify for the “AI Jump.” So to speak, of course: the vast majority of smartphones, while we are talking about it, are capable of installing ChatGPT or using Gemini in their web version. But we are talking here about local versions, more efficient and reliable, of these language models that require quite high technical requirements.

However, some manufacturers are betting on hybridization to avoid leaving behind people who bought a high-end smartphone last year and who may be disappointed that they won’t be able to jump on the AI ​​train.

In recent days, Samsung has started introducing some Galaxy AI features into its previous models. flagships like Galaxy S23 Ultra. To overcome lower specifications than the S24 Ultra, Samsung says it will mobilize the local and online language model to maximize device compatibility.