GoKawiilTushar Mehta / Android Authority
Google made an avalanche of announcements during its Google I/O keynote this past week. Wear OS 7 was among the reveals, a pretty robust update to Google’s wearable operating system. Google claims users will experience a 10% increase in battery life and that features like Live Updates will be available. Wear OS 7 will also include a visual refresh, with new Tile designs.
However, one announced feature immediately made me angry. Google states that certain Gemini Intelligence features will be available on select future smartwatches. It’s a bizarre development, especially considering what Google listed as the requirements for devices to get Gemini Intelligence. It doesn’t make sense, and it’s turning into yet another insult for Pixel buyers who want their phones to get the latest and greatest features.
Do you care whether your older Pixel gets Gemini Intelligence? 31 votes No way. AI hasn't proved useful yet. 52 % Absolutely. I paid for a flagship phone and was promised extended support. 48 %
I was already annoyed before Wear OS 7
Ryan Haines / Android Authority
Google was already off my short list for Christmas cards this year after an announcement at the Android Show. I found it mind-numbing that only certain devices would receive Gemini Intelligence. Despite selling us on the enhanced AI capabilities of Tensor chipsets for years now, Google is only bringing a full slate of Gemini Intelligence to devices powered by the latest Tensor G5, plus select devices powered by the latest Qualcomm and MediaTek chipsets.
The reveal that Gemini Intelligence is coming to Wear OS 7 in some form felt like a slap in the face.
Unlike the last time Google pulled something similar with Gemini Nano on the Pixel 8, this doesn’t appear to be due to RAM limitations. Many devices that get Gemini Intelligence have only 12GB of RAM, less than the 16GB I have on my Pixel 9 Pro XL, which is currently excluded from Google’s latest AI breakthroughs.
It all seems arbitrary and a way for Google to gatekeep features to justify urging you to upgrade to newer phones. Still, if you were in the camp that Google couldn’t possibly find a way to bring Gemini Intelligence to these older phones, those last arguments were melted away by the company’s Wear OS 7 announcement at Google I/O.
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