Google Gemini Introduces Personal Intelligence Feature for Deeper Context
Key Points
- Gemini now offers a Personal Intelligence option that accesses data from Gmail, Photos, Search and YouTube.
- The feature is optional and disabled by default, giving users control over which apps provide context.
- Personal data is not used to train the model; learning occurs from prompts and AI responses.
- Subscribers to Google AI Pro and Ultra can use the feature on web, Android and iOS versions of Gemini.
- Future rollout includes integration with Search’s AI Mode and expansion to more regions and tiers.
- Google’s broader strategy embeds Gemini in Gmail, TVs, Chrome and powers Siri through a new partnership.
- Google warns of potential over‑personalization and references past AI inaccuracies.
Google has added a new Personal Intelligence capability to Gemini that can draw context from a user’s Gmail, Photos, Search history and YouTube activity. The feature is optional, off by default, and lets users decide which apps feed data into the model. Gemini will not train directly on that personal content, instead learning from prompts and responses. The functionality is currently available for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers on the Gemini app across web, Android and iOS, with plans to expand to Search’s AI Mode and additional regions. Google also highlighted ongoing integrations, including a partnership that will power Siri with Gemini.
Feature Overview
Google’s Gemini AI now includes a Personal Intelligence option designed to make responses feel more tailored to each user. When enabled, the system can pull contextual information from across the Google ecosystem, such as email, photo libraries, search queries and YouTube viewing history. This added context helps shape the assistant’s answers and recommendations, aiming for a more individualized experience.
User Controls and Privacy
The Personal Intelligence feature is opt‑in only and is disabled by default. Users retain control over which Google apps provide data to Gemini and, in the future, which chat sessions will use the personalized context. Google emphasizes that the model does not train directly on the personal content itself; instead, it learns from the user’s prompts and the AI’s responses. Users can ask Gemini to generate a reply without personalization, and they have the option to delete chat histories at any time.
Availability and Future Plans
At launch, Personal Intelligence is offered to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers through the Gemini app on web, Android and iOS platforms for personal Google accounts. Google indicated that the feature will soon be integrated into Search’s AI Mode, with intentions to broaden availability to additional countries and eventually to the free tier of Gemini.
Broader Integration and Partnerships
Google continues to embed Gemini across its product lineup, including Gmail, televisions and the Chrome browser on mobile devices. In a recent collaboration, Apple announced that Siri’s artificial‑intelligence capabilities will be powered by Gemini as part of a multi‑year partnership, extending the reach of Google’s AI technology beyond its own services.
Challenges and Considerations
Google acknowledges that AI remains an imperfect tool. The company notes the risk of “over‑personalization,” where the system might draw connections between unrelated items. Historical issues with Google’s AI—including generating inaccurate idioms, self‑critical statements and controversial image outputs—underscore the ongoing need for careful monitoring and user oversight.