Google quietly released a new experimental application called COSMO on the Play Store on May 1, only to remove it within a few hours. The app listing described it as "an experimental AI assistant application for Android devices," and its appearance just weeks before Google I/O 2026 suggests it may have been an accidental early preview.
App Details and Origins
The application was filed under the package name com.google.research.air.cosmo, indicating that it originated from Google Research. However, it was published on the company's main Play Store account rather than a dedicated labs or beta channel. The app size was notably large at 1.13 GB, as it bundled a full local Gemini Nano model. A settings menu within the app offered three inference modes: Nano-only for offline use, a server-side "PI" (Personal Intelligence) model, and a hybrid mode that switches between the two based on connectivity.
Built-in Skills and Features
COSMO came preloaded with 14 listed "Skills," though not all were enabled by default. The lineup included a List Tracker, Calendar Event Suggester, and a Browser Agent powered by Mariner, Google's in-house web automation tool. A Deep Research mode promised to generate multi-source reports for complex queries, while a Conversation Summary feature would automatically recap recent exchanges when users switched topics. Additionally, the app accessed Android's AccessibilityService API for screen access, though this feature was not fully functional during testing. Voice Match setup was also available.
Accidental Release and Uncertain Future
The Play Store listing displayed several signs of an accidental drop. Screenshots were in incorrect aspect ratios, and availability was inconsistent even on Pixel devices. The app was first spotted by 9to5Google before being removed. It remains unclear how COSMO fits alongside the existing Gemini app—whether it will be a standalone product, a feature incubator, or integrated into other services. Google I/O 2026, scheduled to begin on May 19, is expected to provide clarity on the app's purpose and future.
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