Introduction to AI on Google Pixels
Google’s Pixel phones have been getting more advanced AI features, thanks to the Gemini Nano NPU (Neural Processing Unit). However, there are limits to what this tiny chip can do. While it’s getting more powerful, it can’t compete with massive servers that use a lot of energy. This is why some AI features on the Pixel phones don’t work very well, like the Daily Brief, which is currently not available.
Limitations of NPU
The NPU is great for simple tasks, but it can’t handle more complex tasks that require a lot of processing power. This is why Google is using a combination of local AI (on the phone) and cloud-based AI (on Google’s servers) to power its AI features. Magic Cue, a feature that surfaces personal data based on screen context, is one example of this. It debuted on the Pixel 10, but it doesn’t do much yet.
How Magic Cue Works
Magic Cue is supposed to generate suggestions based on your data, but it hasn’t been very useful so far. With the new update, Magic Cue will start using the Private AI Compute system, which is a more powerful model that can process your data in the cloud. This means that more of your data will be sent to the cloud, where it can be analyzed and used to generate more useful suggestions.
Benefits of Local AI
While the cloud-based system has its advantages, there are still benefits to using local AI. For one, it’s faster because your data doesn’t have to be sent to the cloud and back. It’s also more reliable, because AI features will still work even if you don’t have an internet connection. Google believes that a hybrid approach, which combines local and cloud-based AI, is the way forward for generative AI.
Updates to Pixel Features
Google has released a new feature drop for the Pixel phones, which includes some minor updates. One of the updates is that the Recorder app will be able to summarize recordings in more languages, thanks to the secure cloud. This is an example of how Google is using its cloud-based AI to improve its features.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the NPU on Google’s Pixel phones is powerful, it has its limitations. By combining local AI with cloud-based AI, Google can offer more advanced features like Magic Cue. This hybrid approach has its benefits, including faster processing and more reliability. As AI technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more features that use a combination of local and cloud-based AI.
FAQs
- What is the Gemini Nano NPU?
The Gemini Nano NPU is a neural processing unit that powers the AI features on Google’s Pixel phones. - What is Magic Cue?
Magic Cue is a feature that surfaces personal data based on screen context. - Why is Google using a combination of local and cloud-based AI?
Google is using a combination of local and cloud-based AI to offer more advanced features that require more processing power than the NPU can provide. - Is my data secure when it’s sent to the cloud?
Yes, Google claims that its cloud-based system has the same security and privacy assurances as its local AI system.
