Google expands Gemini with Personal Intelligence

Google is rolling out a new feature called Personal Intelligence for Gemini, aimed at making AI responses more relevant by adding personal context from select Google apps.

With user permission, Gemini can draw on information from Gmail, Google Photos, YouTube, and search history to help answer questions and assist with everyday planning. The update is designed to support common tasks while giving users control over how their data is used.

What Gemini's Personal Intelligence does?

Personal Intelligence lets users connect certain Google apps to Gemini, in which the AI can, in return, refer to emails, photos, or past searches to respond with better accuracy. For instance, instead of manually searching an inbox or photo library, users can simply ask Gemini to do the job of retrieving certain details. Google claims the feature is off by default, and it allows users to decide which apps to connect or disconnect any time or turn personalisation off for a single chat.

They can also ask for a new answer using the “try again option” or submit feedback if an answer feels off. This feedback helps Google in improving how Gemini applies the personal context.

Gemini app, Google Labs and AI Studio Vice President Josh Woodward says the company has worked to limit errors in the beta version but admits risks remain. These include inaccurate responses or "over-personalisation", where Gemini links unrelated information. User feedback is especially important in such cases, he notes.

Privacy remains a central concern. Google stresses that Personal Intelligence is optional and that it's turned off by default. Users decide which apps Gemini can access and can revoke permissions at any time.

Google also says Gemini does not directly train on personal content from Gmail or Photos. Instead, training relies on limited data such as user prompts and Gemini’s responses, not on private details stored in linked apps.