A New Foundation for AI on Android
Article Summary
Dave Burke from Google just dropped the blueprint for running foundation models directly on your Android device. No cloud required, no network dependency, just pure on-device AI.
Google announced Gemini Nano, their most efficient foundation model optimized specifically for mobile silicon. It's launching with Android AICore, a new system service in Android 14 that handles model management, runtimes, and safety features to make on-device AI accessible to all developers.
Key Takeaways
- Gemini Nano runs entirely on-device for offline AI features and privacy
- Android AICore supports LoRA fine-tuning for app-specific customization
- Powers Smart Reply in Gboard and Recorder summaries on Pixel 8 Pro
- Leverages Google Tensor TPU, Qualcomm, Samsung, and MediaTek NPUs
- Private by design with network isolation via open-source APIs
Google is bringing foundation model capabilities directly to Android devices through Gemini Nano and AICore, enabling developers to build powerful AI features that work offline while keeping data on-device.
About This Article
Android developers wanted to use foundation models in their apps while keeping user data private and making sure everything works offline without needing internet.
Google created Android AICore as a system service in Android 14. It manages models, handles runtimes, and enforces safety features. The system stays isolated from the network, and Google released open-source APIs so developers can see exactly how it works.
With AICore, developers can fine-tune Gemini Nano using Low Rank Adaptation. They create small LoRA adapters from their own training data to handle specific app needs, and they don't need cloud infrastructure to do it.
