Google Unveils Offline AI App For Your Smartphone

Ever wanted to use AI on your phone but found yourself in an area with no internet. Typically this is a showstopper as large language models need an online connection. However Google has developed an innovative app to overcome this challenge.

What is Google AI Edge Gallery

The experimental Google AI Edge Gallery app, currently available for Android and soon for iOS, downloads the models and files needed for AI use. This allows you to perform tasks like asking questions and finding information even without an internet connection. For context on the evolving AI landscape, consider these top AI tools of 2025.

For related updates check out how Your Google Gemini assistant is getting 8 useful features.

Google stated on the app GitHub page "The Google AI Edge Gallery is an experimental app that puts the power of cutting edge Generative AI models directly into your hands running entirely on your Android available now and iOS coming soon devices. Dive into a world of creative and practical AI use cases all running locally without needing an internet connection once the model is loaded. Experiment with different models chat ask questions with images explore prompts and more."

How to Install and Set Up AI Edge Gallery

The setup might seem a bit unconventional but is manageable. As an experimental app Google AI Edge Gallery is not found on Google Play or other standard app stores. Installation requires an APK file. This means adjusting your Android device settings to permit installations from unknown sources. Additionally a Hugging Face account is necessary to download the locally runnable LLM versions.

To configure your device navigate to Settings and choose the Apps option. Your phone and OS version will determine the next step either tap the Special app access option typically found at the bottom or tap the three dot icon at the top and select Special access. On the subsequent screen tap the option for Install unknown apps and then enable the switch for Chrome to allow installations from that source.

If you are interested in other Google AI experiments you might want to learn how to try Veo 3 Googles AI video generator.

To download the app visit the GitHub page using Chrome on your Android device. Scroll past the screenshots and click the link usually labeled Download the App or directly for the latest APK. If a warning appears about the file potentially being harmful proceed to download it.

Tap the Open link then tap Install. Once installed tap Open to start the app. You will also find its icon in your app library for later use.

Using AI Edge Gallery Exploring Features

The app provides three initial example tasks Ask Image AI Chat and Prompt Lab. Select any of these. You will then need to pick one or more LLMs to download. The app features various versions of Googles Gemma LLM a lightweight open model akin to Gemini designed for local execution. You can tap the double arrow beside a version for more details or select one and tap the Download and Try button.

A Hugging Face account is required to proceed either create a new one or sign in. After logging in you must agree to the license terms. This step might be a bit awkward but do not give up. Your chosen model version will then download and install. Some models are several gigabytes large so patience is key. You can download other versions later if desired.

Speaking of Google AI see 3 ways Googles AI Mode could change online shopping if it proves effective.

Once setup is complete go back to the main Google AI Edge Gallery screen and select one of the three examples. Choose your downloaded model and tap Try. For instance with AI Chat type or speak your prompt. The AI will then generate a response. The author asked about the origin of pizza and received a detailed answer.

You might also want to explore the Ask Image feature. This allows you to upload an image or take a new photo and ask questions about it. However the author encountered some issues during testing.

Performance Insights and Experimental Nature

The author tested Ask Image with a photo of a USS Enterprise model from Star Trek inquiring about its crew size. While the AI identified the ship correctly it provided highly inaccurate crew numbers such as 22 and 10 instead of the correct figure around 430. When corrected the AI apologized citing its ongoing development and learning phase. Different models yielded similar incorrect results.

For those interested in local LLMs discover how to run a local LLM as a browser based AI with a free extension.

In another test the author presented an image of the Amazing Spider Man number 1 comic book cover. Initially the AI misidentified it as Amazing Spider Man number 2 but provided the correct information after being prompted about the error.

The Potential of On Device AI

Aside from these inaccuracies the app also crashed occasionally during Ask Image tests. It is important to remember that AI Edge Gallery is experimental so consistent stability and accuracy are not guaranteed. However if Google successfully refines the app it could pioneer truly effective AI that functions regardless of whether you are online or not.

For more insights into AI developments consider signing up for relevant newsletters such as Innovation a weekly newsletter on the topic.