Google accidentally releases experimental COSMO AI assistant, then pulls it from Play Store

Google just dropped a new 'experimental AI assistant' app exclusively for Android

The app listing is quite rough and may suggest this was published prematurely. Google isn't exactly shy about giving us access to its latest AI experiments. When it's not deploying updated Gemini models for us to try out, it's testing new AI-powered features in apps like YouTube. This week, though, we're getting something a little bit different, as Google introduces a new Android app to the Play Store: COSMO. Looking through app settings, COSMO reveals it can function with a local Gemini Nano model, a remote "PI" server, or a hybrid mode that switches between the two as available. COSMO is built to tap into Android's AccessibilityService API to access your screen, but in our testing this doesn't appear to be fully working just yet. COSMO is equipped with quite a few specific AI skills, though not all of them are enabled by default. Interacting with COSMO's assistant works as expected, but it's understandably quite a bit rougher around the edges than the full Gemini app. Really, the overall impression we're getting here is that this is an app that's not quite ready for prime time -- even the Play Store listing is poorly executed, with screenshots squished into incorrect aspect ratios: None of this is very satisfying, we know, but really we've just got more questions than answers right now. We'll keep digging in to find if there's anything interesting the app is ready to reveal to us, and keep an eye out to see if Google ever gets around to announcing its new tool -- and hopefully clearing up a lot of these unknowns.

Google pulls mysterious COSMO app from Play Store

Timi is the news and deals reporter for Android Police, who has been reporting on technology since 2008. He has worked in tech retail and also the IT space, providing hardware and software support, which gives him a unique perspective on the tech that he covers. This allows him to effectively break down complex subjects into easy-to-read pieces that even casual readers can enjoy. Before joining Android Police, he was a news writer for XDA, where he eventually transitioned to covering deals. He also worked as an editor and reporter for Neowin, where he covered news and attended major tech events like CES. He also reviewed phones, tablets, PC products, and other devices. In addition, he also created video content for the Neowin YouTube channel. There's a pretty good chance that if a new feature is rolled out by Google, it's going to be tied with AI or Gemini in some way. Gemini has found its way into pretty much every single Google product and service, and for the most part, it tends to make things better. Naturally, that's to be expected at this point, since the brand has such a mature catalog of apps and services that can easily be enhanced using AI. So, when a new app named COSMO appeared on the Google Play Store, it didn't really seem like much. Until it was later pulled. Something new that we weren't supposed to see yet It looks like this app could have been launched ahead of its official release, as it's now no longer available on the Google Play Store. The app was spotted by 9to5Google, with COSMO being an "experimental AI assistant application for Android devices." Currently, most AI services and features run through the cloud. This is done for a number of reasons, but it's mostly for efficiency. While AI models can run natively on phones and PCs, it takes lots of power, which means excessive battery drain. Plus, some devices might not have the processing power. When it comes to the details of COSMO, it's an app that comes in at a little over 1GB and includes a Gemini Nano model. And while it appears to be pretty basic, there's still quite a lot of useful tools, like a List Tracker, Document Writer, Event Suggester, Deep Research mode, Conversation Summary, and more. It's a handy and simple set of tools that are probably some of the most common reasons why someone might use AI. When it comes to the settings, there's a mode for using the local model, online model, or both. However, as mentioned before, it's now been pulled from the Play Store, which means that it was something that probably wasn't meant to be available. But, there are quite a few mysteries here, like was this just an internal tool, or will this be something that will eventually find its way to the public. With Google I/O right around the corner, there's a good chance we might see this showcased at the event in just a few weeks time. And since this is Google we're talking about, there's also a pretty good chance that we may never see this again. Regardless, we'll just have to wait and see to find out.

Google releases experimental 'COSMO' AI assistant app on Play Store

Yesterday, Google published "COSMO," an "experimental AI assistant application for Android devices" on the Play Store. This application looks to come from Google Research -- com.google.research.air.cosmo -- but was published on the company's main Play Store account. The listing explains how "COSMO brings the power of artificial intelligence directly onto your device." Use cases include "organizing your day to answering complex questions." COSMO is an experimental AI assistant application for Android devices. COSMO brings the power of artificial intelligence directly onto your device. From organizing your day to answering complex questions, COSMO works behind the scenes to simplify your life. The app is a 1.13 GB download given the inclusion of a local Gemini Nano model. After installing, it asks for access to several system permissions. You're presented with a very basic chat interface that reflects the experimental nature. COSMO is presumably a test bed for future experiences rather than anything intended for consumers. The app has the follow "Skills" or capabilities: In the settings page, there's a "Fulfillment Model" menu with three options: It's not clear what "PI" stands for, but the local offering is presumably Gemini Nano. Other features let you set up voice match and allow screen access. This feels like a premature, or accidental, release before Google I/O 2026 later this month. It's not meant for consumers.

Google Releases, Pulls COSMO AI App From Google Play

Google released and then pulled an artificial intelligence app called COSMO this week, likely pulling the trigger a tad early ahead of Google I/O later this month. COSMO, from what we can tell, is an AI agent installed directly onto your device. Inside is a Gemini Nano model that can run offline, crawling deep into nearly all aspects of your device. Given the rudimentary nature of the app, it's believed that COSMO is more of a testing bed for future experiences, but the general idea is there. Here is just a few of the tasks COSMO could accomplish that Google listed before pulling the app and all of the information. COSMO wouldn't solely be for offline usage. There are three "Fulfillment" models: Hybrid (PI when online, Nano offline), PI Only (Use Server PI only), and Nano Only (Use Local NanoApp only). For those who ask how this differs from Gemini, think of it more like an on-device AI agent, capable of extreme context awareness. It will basically listen and hear everything, capable of completing plenty of tasks for you. Whether that's something you actually want is entirely up to you.