Gemini Nano Archives

AppWizard

May 6, 2026

Google just gave me the best reason ever to uninstall Chrome

Google has installed a 4GB AI model called Gemini Nano on users' computers without their explicit consent. This model enhances user experience with features like "Help me write," AI-assisted browsing, and scam detection, but was integrated without prior notification to users. The AI scam detection features have been available on Android and desktop platforms for some time. The deployment of the Nano model has raised concerns about user autonomy and trust, as it was done without user consultation or approval.

AppWizard

May 4, 2026

Google finally explains why AICore uses so much storage

Google's AICore app enhances on-device AI capabilities for Android users, offering features like text summarization and proofreading. The app's significant storage usage is by design, as it temporarily retains both old and new versions of AI models during updates for reliability, which can lead to storage consumption of up to 11GB. This approach aims to prevent disruptions in functionality during updates. Once the new update is stable, the extra storage will be released automatically. Users are concerned about storage limitations, particularly on devices with 128GB base storage, and are advocating for a standardization of 256GB base storage for AI-enabled Android phones.

AppWizard

May 2, 2026

Google releases experimental ‘COSMO’ AI assistant app on Play Store

Google released an experimental AI assistant application called COSMO for Android devices, which has since been removed from the Play Store due to an accidental launch. The app, which is 1.13 GB in size, was designed to enhance daily productivity by organizing schedules and answering complex queries. COSMO features include a list tracker, document writer, calendar event suggester, browser agent, timer suggestions, deep research capabilities, quick photo lookup, web search functionality, jargon definitions, insights provision, context understanding for people and events, recall assistance, and conversation summarization. It offers three settings: Hybrid, PI Only, and Nano Only, with the latter two indicating different processing methods. The app also includes voice match and screen access features but is not intended for the general consumer market.

AppWizard

May 1, 2026

Google just dropped a new ‘experimental AI assistant’ app exclusively for Android

Google has introduced an experimental AI assistant application named COSMO to the Play Store, identified by the package name com.google.research.air.cosmo. COSMO aims to enhance daily tasks using artificial intelligence, similar to Google’s Gemini app. The app can operate using a local Gemini Nano model or connect to a remote “PI” server, although some features are not fully operational. The user experience is currently rough, with less polish compared to the full Gemini app, and access is limited across various regions, including on Pixel devices.

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.