Earlier as we speak, Google stunned us all by confirming that Gemini Nano assist (i.e., on-device generative AI options) will come to the Pixel 8 after beforehand saying it might solely come to the Pixel 8 Professional. That announcement got here throughout a Made by Google podcast episode. However that’s not the one factor Google divulged throughout the episode (h/t 9to5Google).
Seang Chau, a VP at Google, talked at size about numerous facets of the Pixel ecosystem. One tidbit divulged associated to one of many largest bits of reports with the launch of the Pixel 8 collection, which was that Google would assist them for seven entire years. Because it seems, selecting seven years of time wasn’t arbitrary. It really was a deliberate selection based mostly on, of all issues, the very first Google Pixel. Right here’s Chau on it:
So once we have a look at the trajectory of the place the unique Pixel that we launched in 2016 landed and the way many individuals have been nonetheless utilizing the primary Pixel, we noticed that truly, there’s fairly a great lively consumer base till in all probability concerning the seven-year mark. So if we take into consideration, okay, we would like to have the ability to assist Pixel for so long as individuals are utilizing the machine, then seven years is about that proper quantity.
Doing the maths, which means a big sufficient group of individuals have been utilizing the unique Pixel as late as final 12 months. Nonetheless, this is perhaps an anomaly as a result of the unique Pixel nonetheless helps limitless photograph and video uploads to Google Pictures. There are many individuals who use the Pixel as a form of “server,” importing all their photographs and movies via it in order to not have an effect on their Google Pictures storage restrict. There’s a great likelihood the OG Pixel will at all times be in use.
Anyway, Chau additionally elaborated on how Google was capable of make a dedication at this size. Unsurprisingly, it principally comes right down to Tensor, Google’s self-designed cellular chipset. Chau stated, “The SoC generates in all probability essentially the most complexity once we’re speaking about software program updates,” and the workforce wanted to ensure its “labs are geared up to do … steady testing.” Chau additionally emphasised how partnerships with carriers, suppliers, and the Android workforce as a complete have been obligatory.
Sadly, Chau didn’t give any data on whether or not or not different Pixels in addition to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Professional would see extensions of the older five-year and three-year replace commitments. We’ll simply want to attend and see on that.
