However, NPUs can’t do it all. While the Gemini Nano is getting more capable, it can’t compete with models that run on massive, high-wattage servers. This is probably why some AI features, like the temporarily unavailable Daily Brief, don’t do much on the Pixel. Magic Cue, which surfaces personal data based on screen context, is likely in a similar place. Google now says Magic Cue will become “even more helpful” thanks to the private AI compute system.

Magic Q debuted on the Pixel 10, but it hasn’t done much yet.
Credit: Ryan Whitwam
Magic Q debuted on the Pixel 10, but it hasn’t done much yet.
Credit: Ryan Whitwam
Google also released a Pixel Feature Drop today, but there aren’t many new features worth noting (unless you’re keen on roguelike themes). As part of the update, Magic Cue will begin using private AI compute systems to generate suggestions. more powerful models It is possible Be able to extract more actionable details from your data. Google also notes that the Recorder app will be able to offer summaries in more languages, thanks to the secure cloud.
So what Google is saying here is that more of your data is being uploaded to the cloud so that Magic Cue can generate useful suggestions, which will be a change. Since launch, we’ve only seen Magic Q appear a few times, and when it does it doesn’t offer anything interesting.
There are still reasons to use local AI, even if cloud systems have “the same security and privacy assurances,” as Google claims. An NPU provides better latency because your data doesn’t have to go anywhere, and it’s more reliable, because AI features will work even without an Internet connection. Google believes this hybrid approach is the way forward for generative AI, which requires significant processing even for seemingly simple tasks. We can expect more AI features to reach Google’s secure cloud soon.
