What you need to know
- Google’s Gemini introduces Personal Intelligence, a feature that leverages a users Connected Apps for personalized assistance.
- The AI can dive into Photos, Gmail, YouTube, and more to help answer questions using your personal information for cars, health, and more.
- Google says this feature is rolling out today (Jan 14) for “eligible” Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S. in the Gemini app.
Google’s Gemini intelligence has continued to advance for a wide range of purposes, but there’s room to grow, and it’s making it personal.
This morning (Jan 14), Google unveiled a new feature for Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S. for its Gemini app: Personal Intelligence. According to the company, Personal Intelligence lets users “personalize” the AI using data stored in their Google apps, like Photos, Gmail, YouTube, and Search. The post states that users can turn Personal Intelligence on or off, and they can decide which Connected Apps Gemini can leverage.
It states, “When enabled, Gemini accesses your data to answer your specific requests and to do things for you.”
Google gave the example of finding new tires for an older Honda minivan. Since they were unsure of the exact size they needed, they inquired with Gemini. In doing so, the AI went through its Connected Apps in Personal Intelligence to find any relevant details. For the license plate, Gemini dove into Photos to find a picture that showed it clearly. It even suggested the user purchase “all-weather tires” due to a trip they photographed from Oklahoma.
Regarding the tire’s trim, Gemini found those details through information from their Gmail account.
Google states that its goal is to “improve your experience while keeping your data secure and under your control.”
It adds that the information Gemini leverages (content stored in Photos, Gmail, etc.) isn’t used to “train” the AI’s capabilities. Google says that the data it surfaces, Photos to assist with a purchase, and emails, too, are only “referenced” to complete the reply. To make it simpler, Google says, “We don’t train our systems to learn your license plate number; we train them to understand that when you ask for one, we can locate it.”
Additionally, Google highlights its guardrails in place to safeguard your data, specifically, its internal systems. Gemini is trained not to make assumptions about you based on your “sensitive” info, like your health data.
The true AI assistant
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As previously stated, Personal Intelligence is rolling out “over the next week” for “eligible” Google AI Pro and AI Ultra users in the U.S. The post states that the rollout will be slow, as it starts with a smaller group of individuals before opening it up to more. After opening the Gemini app, users should see an invitation to hop right in.
In the event that you don’t, Google directs users to the Gemini app > Settings > Personal Intelligence > Connected Apps.
Google stresses that this feature is in beta, meaning Gemini could get some things wrong. If/when that happens, users can easily correct the AI by giving it the right details or by telling it to “remember” what they prefer. Google teases that Personal Intelligence is on its way to more countries and even Gemini’s free tier, but that won’t happen right away.
Personal Intelligence works on Android, iOS, and its web view.
