Expanding AI Horizons: Google’s Gemini App Embraces Older Android Versions
In an exciting development for Android users, Google has decided to extend the reach of its innovative Gemini app to encompass devices that are not quite the latest models. Initially, the tech giant had limited Gemini to Android 12 and newer versions, but in a recent turn of events, the app’s latest iteration, v1.0.626720042, has been made available on the Play Store for gadgets operating on Android 10 and Android 11.
The buzz began when eagle-eyed tech enthusiasts on Twitter, including blank” class=”color-link”>@isumantadas and blank” class=”color-link”>Artem Russakovskii of
Google’s strategic move to support older operating systems is significant, considering the substantial user base of Android 10 and 11, which account for 8.82% and 16.57% of the global Android install base respectively. This translates to millions of devices that can now leverage Google’s cutting-edge AI technology.
The implications are promising for owners of earlier Pixel models and various other Android-powered smartphones. The question on many minds is whether these devices will eventually gain access to features like Circle to Search or other Pixel-exclusive AI tools. According to Gemini’s support documentation, a device requires a minimum of 4GB of RAM for optimal functionality, a criterion met by a vast array of smartphones. Observers are keenly watching to see how Google will expand the reach of Gemini and its associated technologies across the diverse Android ecosystem.
Both Google and Samsung have been making headlines by bringing advanced AI features to older phone models. Samsung recently enhanced its Galaxy S23 series with a suite of AI capabilities, and shortly thereafter, the Galaxy S22 series followed suit. These updates included Live Translate, Circle to Search, Note Assist, and innovative image editing tools, which were once exclusive to the Galaxy S24.
Google has a history of updating older devices with fresh features through its Feature Drop program, setting a precedent that hints at more updates to come. Google CEO Sundar Pichai has even referred to the current period as the “Gemini Era,” highlighting the company’s commitment to AI innovation. While Google has not officially confirmed the Gemini update, industry insiders are anticipating a series of announcements at the upcoming I/O Conference next month, which may shed more light on the future of Gemini.
