At a Glance
- Google is adding Personal Intelligence to its AI Mode, letting the assistant read Gmail and Google Photos for tailored answers.
- The feature is rolling out to AI Mode, Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in English in the U.S.
- Users can toggle Personal Intelligence on or off at any time.
- Why it matters: The move deepens Google’s ecosystem integration, giving competitors a harder time matching the level of personalization.
Google has expanded its AI Mode by introducing Personal Intelligence, a feature that allows the assistant to tap into Gmail and Google Photos to offer more individualized responses. The rollout began last week with the Gemini app and now extends to AI Mode for subscribers of Google AI Pro and AI Ultra. Users can enable or disable the feature whenever they choose.
How Personal Intelligence Works
Personal Intelligence does not train directly on the content of your Gmail inbox or Photos library. Instead, it uses specific prompts and the model’s responses to learn from your data. This approach lets the assistant access relevant context-such as past travel photos or email confirmations-without storing personal files.
Key Features
- Contextual Understanding: AI Mode can pull in hotel bookings from Gmail and travel memories from Photos to create a customized itinerary.
- Shopping Assistance: The assistant considers items you’ve purchased and where you shop to recommend suitable products.
- Creative Planning: Users can ask for themed decorations or scavenger hunts that incorporate personal hints.
Robby Stein, VP of Product, Google Search, explained in a blog post: “With Personal Intelligence, recommendations don’t just match your interests – they fit seamlessly into your life. You don’t have to constantly explain your preferences or existing plans, it selects recommendations just for you, right from the start.” He added that the feature feels like a personal shopper who already knows your itinerary and style.
Real-World Examples
Imagine planning a family vacation. AI Mode could use a flight confirmation in Gmail and a stack of beach photos in Google Photos to suggest activities that appeal to everyone, such as an old-timey ice cream parlor based on your family’s ice-cream selfies. For a new coat purchase, the assistant would factor in the destination, weather, and your preferred brands to recommend windproof, versatile options.
Suggested Prompts
| Prompt | What AI Mode Might Do |
|---|---|
| Make a scavenger hunt for my partner’s birthday | Generates locations with personal hints based on shared memories |
| I’m decorating my child’s bedroom | Provides theme ideas and decor suggestions tailored to the child’s interests |
User Control and Privacy
Google emphasizes that Personal Intelligence is opt-in. Users can toggle the feature on or off at any time, ensuring they remain in control of what data the assistant accesses. The assistant does not store or train on personal content beyond the immediate interaction.
Rollout Details
The feature is currently available in English to subscribers of AI Mode, Google AI Pro and AI Ultra in the United States. Google plans to expand the rollout to additional regions and languages as it refines the technology.
What This Means for the Market
By leveraging data already within its ecosystem, Google can offer a level of personalization that rivals cannot easily replicate. The integration of Gmail, Photos, Search, and YouTube history creates a comprehensive context that enhances the assistant’s relevance. Competitors may need to invest heavily in similar data pipelines to keep pace.
Key Takeaways
- Personal Intelligence lets AI Mode access Gmail and Photos for tailored answers.
- The feature is opt-in and can be turned off anytime.
- It provides contextual suggestions for travel, shopping, and creative planning.
- Google’s deep ecosystem integration gives it a competitive edge.
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Categories: Tech News, Business News
