The Google Pixel 8 is about to get a long-awaited update

By Bryan M. Wolfe Published May 31, 2024

A person holding the Google Pixel 8 showing the screen. — Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

If you own a Google Pixel 8 or the recently released Google Pixel 8a, we have some good news for you. A Google Pixel 8 Pro feature is finally coming to your phone.

According to an APK teardown of Google’s AICore app by Android Authority, a new toggle for activating Gemini Nano on the two smartphones is present. Google also mentioned that Nano would be available on these phones through Developer Options, indicating a launch is coming sooner rather than later. This means users will likely need to activate it manually when Gemini Nano finally launches on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a.

Recommended Videos

Gemini Nano is Google DeepMind’s most efficient AI model. It was added to the Pixel 8 Pro through a software update in December, but has been missing from the other two Pixel 8 series phones.

From a features standpoint, Gemini Nano powers specific AI features such as Smart Reply in Gboard and Summarize in the Recorder app. It’s different from the Gemini chatbot that’s replacing Google Assistant.

Interestingly, Google’s initial plan was not to bring Gemini Nano to the Pixel 8. The company said the feature couldn’t operate on non-Pro Pixel 8 models because of hardware limitations. That stance quickly changed, which led to where we are today.

Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a users should soon receive a software update that includes Gemini Nano capabilities. We’ll let you know when this happens and tell you how to activate it on your phones.

Former Mobile and A/V Freelancer

Bryan M. Wolfe has over a decade of experience as a technology writer. He writes about mobile.

Topics

Gaming

Don’t breathe easy just yet. Apple and Microsoft aren’t done with price hikes.

Xbox and Apple device price hikes could be a warning for the rest of the tech industry.

Earlier today, Microsoft raised the price of its Xbox consoles by up to $150 in the U.S. Just a few hours before that, Apple announced a similar move for its Mac and iPad portfolio, while also raising the sticker price of its Vision Pro headset and several other products except the iPhone. But it seems these two giants are not done with price hikes yet.

Neither company has explicitly said that more price hikes are coming, but their statements suggest otherwise. Take, for example, this statement that Apple shared with The Washington Post earlier today.

Phones

Samsung’s wider Galaxy Z Fold 8 may fix the two foldable flaws people still complain about

The Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide may be the complete foldable Samsung had envisioned

Electronics, Mobile Phone, Phone

Samsung’s next premium book-style foldable may do more than refine its design and get the annual spec bump. A new leak suggests the rumored Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide could directly address two of the most annoying foldable complaints, namely the weight and display crease.

According to sources who have handled samples of Samsung’s wider Fold 8 model, the phone feels surprisingly light. he actual weight is still unconfirmed, but previous leaks have pointed to around 201g, which would make it lighter than the 215g Galaxy Z Fold 7 and even the 214g Galaxy S26 Ultra. This might not sound like a big deal till you've actually used a foldable phone. I recently reviewed the Motorola Razr Fold, and despite its slim design, the heft is what kept me away from switching to it for a while.

Phones

This Oppo phone has a wild 3D back, but its magnetic Bubble is the real party trick

Oppo’s Reno 16 Pro wants to be your camera, editor, and vanity mirror

Electronics, Mobile Phone, Phone

Oppo has started rolling out the Reno 16 Pro globally, giving Europe its newest style-heavy, camera-focused Android phone with a few impressive numbers on the spec sheet.

The European model is listed in Germany and Austria in a single 12GB RAM + 512GB storage configuration. It costs €1,099, though Oppo is offering a launch discount that brings it down to €899 until July 31. Pre-orders are open now, with release set for July 3. Considering how the Reno lineup is considered the brand's upper mid-range model, the price is nothing to scoff at. But Oppo isn't raising the prices for nothing. It is pushing the Reno line closer to premium territory, with cameras, design, and creator-friendly extras doing most of the selling.