Google quietly released an application that allows AI models to be downloaded and run locally.

Last week, Google quietly launched an application that allows users to run a series of open-source AI models provided by the artificial intelligence development platform Hugging Face on their phones. The app, called "Google AI Edge Application Library," is currently available on the Android platform, with an iOS version set to be released soon. Users can use the app to search for, download, and run compatible models to perform functions such as image generation, question answering, code writing, and editing. These models support offline operation and can be directly accessed by the phone's processor without the need for an internet connection. While cloud-based AI models are typically more powerful than local models, they also have drawbacks. Some users may be hesitant to send their personal sensitive data to remote data centers, or may prefer to use models in environments without Wi-Fi or mobile networks.