Overview
- Google, which issued a statement Wednesday, said Gemini Nano has been in Chrome since 2024 and that a removal toggle began rolling out in February.
- Researchers and multiple outlets confirmed Chrome creates an OptGuideOnDeviceModel folder with a ~4GB weights.bin on eligible Windows, macOS, and Linux devices when on‑device AI is active.
- If users delete the file, Chrome typically downloads it again unless they turn off On‑device AI in Settings > System or disable related chrome://flags, with option visibility varying by version.
- The local model supports tools like Help me write, page summarization, scam detection, and suggestions, while Chrome’s new AI Mode button sends queries to Google’s servers instead of using the local file.
- Privacy and cost concerns are mounting, including potential ePrivacy/GDPR issues and burdens on metered or low‑storage systems, though no regulatory action has been announced.