Google has announced a new beta feature for the Gemini app that allows the AI assistant to deliver more personalized and proactive responses by connecting to a user’s Google ecosystem. The feature initially works with Gmail, Google Photos, Search, and YouTube history.
While Gemini was already able to pull information from these services, it can now analyze data across multiple sources to better understand context. For example, it may link an email conversation with a related video you recently watched, without users needing to specify where the information is stored.
The beta experience, called Personal Intelligence, is turned off by default. Users can choose if and when they want to connect their Google apps to Gemini. Google emphasizes that Personal Intelligence is only used when the system believes it will provide meaningful assistance.
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According to Josh Woodward, VP of the Gemini app at Google Labs, the feature combines advanced reasoning with detailed retrieval from sources like emails, photos, and videos to generate tailored answers. In one example, Gemini helped identify the correct tire type for a car by referencing road trip photos stored in Google Photos. In another case, it retrieved a license plate number from an image when the user couldn’t remember it.
Woodward also highlighted Gemini’s ability to suggest books, shows, clothing, and travel plans. For an upcoming spring break trip, Gemini analyzed past emails and photos to recommend less crowded travel options, including an overnight train route and specific board games for the journey.
Google notes that Personal Intelligence includes safeguards for sensitive topics. Gemini avoids making assumptions about areas like health unless users explicitly ask about them. The company also states that Gemini does not directly train on Gmail inboxes or Photos libraries. Instead, only user prompts and Gemini’s responses are used for training, while personal content is referenced solely to generate answers.
Personal Intelligence is currently rolling out to Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S., with plans to expand to additional countries and eventually to the free version of Gemini.
Woodward also highlighted Gemini’s ability to suggest books, shows, clothing, and travel plans. For an upcoming spring break trip, Gemini analyzed past emails and photos to recommend less crowded travel options, including an overnight train route and specific board games for the journey.
Google notes that Personal Intelligence includes safeguards for sensitive topics. Gemini avoids making assumptions about areas like health unless users explicitly ask about them. The company also states that Gemini does not directly train on Gmail inboxes or Photos libraries. Instead, only user prompts and Gemini’s responses are used for training, while personal content is referenced solely to generate answers.
Personal Intelligence is currently rolling out to Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S., with plans to expand to additional countries and eventually to the free version of Gemini.