Overview
- Google’s developer docs confirm Chrome can download a local Gemini Nano model and will start the first fetch when a built‑in AI API call or an availability check runs.
- Reporters and users say a roughly 4 GB file named weights.bin appears in an OptGuideOnDeviceModel folder, often without a clear consent prompt, and it returns after manual deletion.
- Some tests failed to reproduce the file on current Chrome builds, suggesting a conditional rollout tied to hardware, new user profiles, or features that check model availability.
- Google told Android Authority a setting under Settings > System > On‑device AI lets people disable and remove the model, though the option has not reached all users and regions.
- Outlets share workarounds such as a Windows registry policy and Chrome flags, while a blogger’s GDPR and CO2 claims drive scrutiny that heise says remains unverified.