Google's Gemini AI Gets Personal with Your Data
Google has started rolling out a new beta feature called Personal Intelligence. This upgrade allows the Gemini AI assistant to access your entire Google ecosystem. Paid subscribers in the United States can now try this feature.
The AI can pull context from multiple sources. These include your Gmail, Google Photos, YouTube watch history, and Search activity. Instead of giving generic answers, Gemini cross-references your personal data. It uses your emails, photos, and browsing patterns to craft tailored recommendations.
How Personal Intelligence Works in Real Life
Josh Woodward, Vice President of the Gemini app at Google, shared a practical example. He was at a tire shop and forgot the tire size for his Honda minivan. Gemini did not just find the specifications. It also suggested all-weather tire options. The AI spotted family road trip photos from Oklahoma in his Google Photos.
Gemini even pulled his license plate number from an old photo when he needed it at the counter. This demonstrates how the feature connects different pieces of your digital life.
Powered by Advanced AI Models
The Personal Intelligence feature runs on Google's Gemini 3 models. It works across text, photos, and video data. Google says the AI excels beyond car maintenance. It can recommend books, suggest travel destinations, and help plan trips based on your documented interests.
Privacy Controls and Data Usage
Google has designed this feature with privacy in mind. Personal Intelligence is switched off by default. Users must actively enable it. You can choose which specific apps to connect. You can also disconnect them at any time through the settings.
The company emphasizes a key point. Gemini will not train directly on your inbox or photo library. It only trains on your prompts and its own responses to improve functionality. Your raw personal data remains separate from the AI's training process.
Current Limitations and Future Plans
Google acknowledges that the feature is not perfect yet. It may struggle with significant life changes. For example, it might not understand relationship shifts like divorces. The AI could also misread your interests.
Imagine you have hundreds of golf course photos because you support your son's sport. Gemini might incorrectly assume you love golf yourself. The system is still learning to interpret context accurately.
Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers can enable Personal Intelligence now. They need to go to Settings, then select Personal Intelligence, and choose Connected Apps. Google plans to expand the feature to more countries soon. It will also become available to free-tier users in the future. Integration into Search's AI Mode is coming as well.
