Google has quietly launched a new Gemini Nano-powered experimental application on Android’s Play Store called “COSMO,” offering a glimpse into the next generation of on-device AI assistants. The app appears to be a testing ground for advanced features rather than a finished product for the general public. Beyond a replacement for Gemini, it appears to be a potential testing ground for features that may eventually reach Gemini.
Google COSMO is an AI assistant focused on local processing
The most notable technical detail is the app’s size. At 1.13 GB, COSMO is quite large for a simple assistant, but there’s a reason for that. The popular Gemini assistant is heavily reliant on cloud processing to function. However, COSMO integrates Google’s Gemini Nano local model. This allows the AI to process information directly on the device rather than relying entirely on the cloud.
As 9to5Google reports, the settings, users can choose between three “Fulfillment Models”:
- Hybrid: Uses a server-based model when online and Gemini Nano when offline.
- PI Only: Relies exclusively on a server-based model.
- Nano Only: Uses only the local on-device model.
A tool that learns your needs
COSMO is part of that new generation of AI assistants with “agent” capabilities. That is, instead of just waiting for your instructions, it is designed to act proactively. COSMO features a list of “Skills” that trigger based on your current activity. For example, if you mention a specific photo you want to share, the app offers a “Quick Photo Lookup” so you don’t have to go searching through your gallery yourself.
Other specialized capabilities include:
- Document Writer: Offers to draft letters or summarize text if you mention needing a document.
- Calendar Event Suggester: Detects when you agree on a time with someone and offers to schedule it automatically.
- Deep Research: Handles complex queries that require multiple sources to generate a full report.
- Conversation Summary: Provides a brief overview of recently ended discussions when you switch tasks.
Experimental for a reason
While the app is available on the Play Store, the interface remains extremely basic. It asks for several system permissions to function, which allows it to do things like set timers or use a “Browser Agent” to automate tasks on the web.
Given the timing, it’s likely that this was an early or accidental release before Google I/O 2026. For now, COSMO offers a preview of how Google intends to integrate AI more deeply and privately into Android.
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