Google’s conversational Search feature, AI Mode, is becoming more personalized. The company announced that it is bringing “Personal Intelligence” to AI Mode. This allows the feature to access your Gmail and Google Photos to provide more individualized responses.
Google first introduced Personal Intelligence last week in the Gemini app. This allows the AI assistant to tailor its responses by connecting information across your Google ecosystem, starting with Gmail, Photos, Search, and YouTube history.
The opt-in feature is now starting to roll out to AI Mode for Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in English in the United States.
By integrating Personal Intelligence into Gemini and AI Mode, Google is leveraging the wealth of user data already within its ecosystem. Since users already rely on services like Gmail and Photos, Google can deliver more personalized experiences that rivals may not easily match. Of course, not everyone wants AI analyzing their photos and emails, so you can turn Personal Intelligence on or off at any time.
A Google executive explained that with Personal Intelligence, recommendations do not just match your interests. They fit seamlessly into your life. You do not have to constantly explain your preferences or existing plans. It selects recommendations just for you from the start.
For example, if you are planning a vacation and searching for things to do and places to eat that your family will enjoy, AI Mode can draw on your hotel booking in Gmail and past travel memories in Google Photos. It can then suggest a tailored itinerary. You might see a recommendation like an old-timey ice cream parlor based on the many ice cream photos stored in your Google Photos.
Google notes that AI Mode will not just give a generic list. It instead provides a personalized starting point for planning.
Personal Intelligence can also be helpful for shopping. AI Mode considers the types of items you buy and where you shop. If you need a new coat for an upcoming trip, AI Mode could automatically take into account your preferred brands and your flight confirmation in Gmail to identify the destination and timing. You would get suggestions for coats that fit the weather and your preferred look.
Other questions you could ask include requesting a scavenger hunt for a partner to celebrate an anniversary, with hints about your relationship, or asking for bedroom decoration ideas for a child with a suggested theme.
The company notes that AI Mode does not train directly on your Gmail inbox or Google Photos library. Instead, it trains on specific prompts and the model’s responses.