How to deploy AICore/Gemini Nano on Pixel/Other devices？

Gemini API
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Hi,

I am a developer and currently have some questions regarding Android development. Could you please assist me in answering them:

  1. Since AICore functions both as an app and a system-level service, is it necessary to implement AI capabilities in conjunction with the Gemini Nano model when used as either an app or a system-level service?

  2. Is AICore only callable through NNAPI Delegate for distribution? Can it be invoked through the TFLite Delegate?

  3. Does the Gemini Nano model require developers to perform real-time updates locally?

  4. If I do not develop a service based on NNAPI, such as Vendor-NN, can I not deploy the AICore app on my Android device? Currently, is the AICore app, along with the Gemini Nano model, limited to deployment on devices other than Pixel?

The above are my personal interpretations; please correct me if I am mistaken.

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Hi @Terry_Chen,

Welcome to the Google AI Forum! :confetti_ball: :confetti_ball:

  1. Not strictly required, but AICore is designed specifically to support Gemini Nano models — which are on-device, low-latency LLMs.
  2. AICore uses NNAPI internally for hardware acceleration and developers do not use NNAPI to call AICore.
  3. Gemini Nano models are updated through Google Play system updates, not manually.
  4. If your device doesn’t have hardware support or the correct system image, you won’t be able to run Gemini Nano or AICore, even with root access.
    Yes, while google have plans to expand to more devices/OEMs, at the moment, only certain Pixel models (e.g., Pixel 8 Pro) support AICore and Gemini Nano.

HOW TO VERIFY SUPPORT
You can verify AICore support by checking:

  • Android settings → Apps → See if “AICore” exists
  • Running adb shell pm list packages | grep aicore
  • Or using DeviceInfo apps to inspect system-level services
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