What you need to know
- AICore can temporarily use large storage when updating AI models in the background on your device.
- Google keeps both old and new AI models for up to three days as a fail-safe during updates.
- Storage used by AICore is automatically freed once the new AI model is confirmed stable.
For users of the AICore app on Android devices, an increase in storage usage may have raised eyebrows recently. Google has shed light on this phenomenon, revealing that the app, which powers on-device AI capabilities, can temporarily consume significant storage space during updates. This is particularly relevant for flagship Android models, where AICore facilitates offline features such as smart replies and notification summaries.
Reports from users indicate that AICore can occupy as much as 11GB of storage, a figure that understandably prompts concern. In response, Google has provided clarity through its support page, noting that the increased storage usage is a byproduct of background updates to new AI models.
To ensure seamless functionality, AICore retains both the previous and updated versions of the AI model for a period of up to three days. This dual-storage approach serves as a fail-safe, allowing for a quick rollback should any issues arise during the update process, thus eliminating the need for users to re-download substantial files.
While this strategy is undoubtedly a prudent measure, the implications of a 10GB-plus background service are not lost on observers. The necessity for such storage raises questions about potential management options for users who might prefer to have more control over their device’s storage allocation.
Fortunately, Google assures users that this additional storage is automatically released once the new AI model is deemed stable. This methodical approach not only enhances reliability but also minimizes disruption to the user experience. If the older model were to be discarded immediately upon initiating an update, users could find themselves without access to vital AI features while waiting for a potentially lengthy re-download.
In essence, while the temporary storage spike may seem excessive, it reflects a commitment to maintaining a robust and dependable AI experience on Android devices.
