Google is reshaping how users interact with artificial intelligence by introducing a new capability called Personal Intelligence to its Gemini chatbot, pushing the assistant closer to functioning like a true digital aide. The feature, currently in beta, is being rolled out to users in the United States.
The update allows Gemini to securely tap into select Google services, including Gmail, Google Photos, YouTube and Search, to deliver responses that are informed by a user’s own data and habits. Google says this integration is optional and disabled by default, with users retaining full control over which apps, if any, they choose to connect.
According to Google, the goal is to move beyond generic AI responses and enable Gemini to understand context drawn from a person’s digital life. By analysing emails, images and past searches, the chatbot can answer questions that typically require manual digging across multiple apps.
Josh Woodward, Vice President at Google Labs, described the feature as a step toward making Gemini more intuitive and useful in everyday scenarios. He said the system is designed to combine information from different sources in a secure way, allowing the AI to reason across personal content rather than treating each query in isolation.
Personal Intelligence is built around two main abilities: synthesising information from multiple data sources and quickly retrieving specific details stored in emails or photos. Together, these capabilities allow Gemini to provide tailored responses across text, images and video, rather than offering one-size-fits-all answers.
Google believes the feature will be especially helpful for planning and recommendations, such as organising travel, choosing entertainment or shopping for clothing. Woodward shared that Gemini was able to assist with planning a family vacation by analysing past trips, interests reflected in emails, and photo history to suggest alternative routes, avoid crowded attractions, and personalise travel plans.
To address transparency concerns, Google says Gemini will often indicate where its information comes from, allowing users to see which connected sources were used to generate a response. Users can also disable Personal Intelligence or unlink apps at any time.
In a real-world example highlighted by the company, Gemini helped a user while they were at a vehicle service centre by pulling details from their digital history. Instead of just listing standard specifications, the AI suggested product options based on past travel patterns, retrieved pricing information, and even extracted details like the vehicle’s licence plate number and trim level from saved photos and emails.
