Gemini Nano Archives

BetaBeacon

December 3, 2025

Google Pixel Phones Just Got a Game‑Changing Android 16 Update

- Google has introduced new screen customizations for Pixel phones in Android 16 QPR2. - Users can now customize app icons with new shape options on the home screen. - Pixel phone users can place widgets on the lock screen by swiping left, with limited options compared to the home screen. - Other lock screen changes include a new low-light mode for the screen saver and fingerprint scanning on the switched-off display. - Users can now disable or reduce blur effects in background elements, adjust HDR intensity, and schedule expanded dark mode. - The update also adds a more flexible split-screen layout, AI-powered notifications, and strengthened parental controls. - Android 16 QPR2 includes the December security patch to fix vulnerabilities and protect against threats.

AppWizard

November 13, 2025

Google Ends Pixel 10 Exclusivity for Journal App in New Feature Drop

Google has extended the availability of its Journal app to users of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series, in addition to the Pixel 10, as announced during the November 2025 Feature Drop. The app is currently exclusive to these devices and will not be available on non-Pixel smartphones. The Journal app functions as a personal digital diary and utilizes Google's advanced AI technology, Gemini Nano. Older models like the Pixel 7 cannot access the app due to hardware limitations. The November 2025 Feature Drop also includes notification summaries, Scam Detection for Pixel 6 and newer models in the U.S., and a “Wicked: For Good” theme with custom design elements.

AppWizard

October 30, 2025

Google just dropped a ton of updates for those who want to make apps for Android and the Play Store

Google has introduced AI-powered tools for developers to aid in app creation and expansion, aiming to lower development costs and improve visibility on the Play Store. Key updates include the integration of Gemini for high-quality translations of app text and Gemini-powered chart summaries on the Statistics page for better metric analysis. In Android Studio, "Agentic capabilities" allow AI to perform complex tasks like upgrading project APIs, and developers can integrate their own large language models. Google also launched the on-device Gemini Nano model through a new Prompt API for local AI functionalities. This initiative enhances competitiveness in the app development landscape, particularly against Apple, by offering free translations and accessible statistics for smaller developers while providing advanced tools for larger teams. The suite of tools encourages developer engagement and aims to foster a thriving community for Android innovation.

AppWizard

September 15, 2025

First calls and texts, now Pixels could detect scams from chat apps (APK teardown)

The Android System Intelligence update for the Pixel 10 series will extend Google's Scam Detection feature to popular chat applications, allowing users to receive scam detection alerts within chat app notifications. Users can access this feature through Settings > Security & Privacy > More Security & Privacy > Scam Detection. Potentially supported chat applications include WhatsApp, Signal, Instagram, Twitter, Google Messages, Google Chat, Kakao Talk, Line, Verizon Messages, Facebook Messenger Lite, Hangouts, and Test SafeComms Chat, though not all are guaranteed to implement it. Alerts will appear in chat notifications and may include messages about suspicious activity, warnings about potential scams, and harmful content. Users can confirm if a message is a scam and pause Scam Detection on a per-chat basis. There may be a daily limit on scam warnings to prevent notification fatigue. This expansion addresses the growing prevalence of scams on messaging platforms.

AppWizard

September 4, 2025

How To Use Gboard’s New AI Writing Tools On Android Phones

Google Messages has introduced an upgrade to Gboard that includes AI writing assistance, previously exclusive to Pixel devices, now available on more Android smartphones. Users need the latest version of Gboard for access, which may take time to roll out across devices. Some users, like those with the OnePlus 13, have reported access, while others, such as Galaxy S25 Ultra users, are still waiting. Gboard's AI tools will allow spellchecking, generating alternative message versions, and more, with processing done on-device via Gemini Nano, addressing privacy concerns. To use the AI features, users must tap the writing tools icon in supported apps, which opens suggestions for messages. Options include different writing styles and proofreading capabilities. The AI features require devices with Gemini Nano v2 or higher.

AppWizard

August 13, 2025

Gemini on Android may soon support the full range of Canvas creation options (APK teardown)

Google Gemini introduced Canvas, a feature for enhancing document handling that allows users to create outputs like apps, audio overviews, and infographics from documents. Google is working to extend this functionality to the Gemini mobile app, integrating more web features into the mobile experience. The latest beta version of the Google app for Android includes changes aimed at bringing Gemini Canvas web features to the mobile app, allowing users to create outputs such as web pages and quizzes directly within the app. An upcoming user interface update is expected to streamline access to these functionalities. The timeline for the public rollout of these features is uncertain, and an APK teardown suggests potential future features may not all be released.

AppWizard

July 9, 2025

Google Forces Gemini App Integration on Android, Sparking Widespread Privacy Fears

Google is rolling out an update to its Android operating system that allows its Gemini AI to access third-party applications by default, overriding users' previous privacy settings. This change, effective July 8, has led to confusion among users, as many received unclear email notifications regarding the update and how to disable the new feature. Google has stated that human reviewers may process app data, and conversations could be stored for up to 72 hours, even if users opt out of activity tracking. The update is part of Google's strategy to integrate Gemini more deeply into its ecosystem, replacing the Google Assistant with Gemini on mobile devices. The company plans to open its Gemini Nano model to third-party developers, further embedding AI into applications.

AppWizard

June 25, 2025

How to create custom AI stickers on a Google Pixel phone

Google has introduced the Pixel Studio app for the Pixel 9 series, allowing users to access custom AI-generated images and stickers. The custom AI stickers feature was launched with the June 2025 Pixel Feature Drop and is exclusive to the Google Pixel 9 series, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9a, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This functionality is available for devices set to English, Japanese, or German. Users must update to Android 16 and may need to update Gboard and Pixel Studio via the Google Play Store to access the feature. To create custom AI stickers, users can open the keyboard in any app, tap the emoji symbol, press the AI sticker button, and follow the prompts to generate and save their stickers. Custom AI stickers cannot depict anything resembling a person. The base-model Google Pixel 9 supports the latest AI innovations, including custom AI stickers.

AppWizard

June 4, 2025

Google Unveils Gemini Nano for On-Device AI in Android Apps

Google has updated the Gemini Nano APIs through the ML Kit, introducing new GenAI APIs that allow developers to perform on-device inference for generative AI capabilities in Android applications. These APIs enhance user privacy by executing all operations locally, eliminating cloud processing costs. Features include summarization of articles up to 3,000 words, proofreading for grammatical accuracy, rewriting text in various tones, and generating image descriptions. The GenAI APIs are optimized for Android devices using MediaTek Dimensity, Qualcomm Snapdragon, and Google Tensor platforms, including the Pixel 9 series and Samsung Galaxy S25. They operate without internet connectivity, ensuring rapid response times and improved performance for tasks like summarization and proofreading. The local processing also enhances privacy and security, protecting sensitive user information with safety protocols.

AppWizard

May 28, 2025

Google’s latest fraud advisory update keeps users keen on emerging threats

Google has released an updated fraud and scam advisory in anticipation of its inaugural Scams Summit, highlighting prevalent scam tactics such as customer support, package tracking, and toll road scams. The company has enhanced its Phone and Messages app with advanced scam protection features for Android users, integrating Gemini technology to detect and block potential scams. Google’s updated advisory also addresses risks from malvertising and counterfeit travel websites, while Chrome has received an update featuring AI-driven warnings for potential scams. Additionally, new scam protection features for calls and texts have been introduced, focusing on blocking actions when potential call scams are detected and identifying various scams related to toll roads, billing, cryptocurrency, and financial impersonation.