Google's new AI will use your photos and emails to help you better... Here's how it works
Google has launched a new feature that uses your emails, photos, and videos to improve its AI responses. Known as "Personal Intelligence," this feature integrates Gemini with Gmail, Google Photos, YouTube, and Google Search. This will help the system better understand you and respond to your needs more effectively.
According to Google, its Gemini AI system can analyze complex data sources and extract specific details. For example, if you're planning a trip to the Alps and need to buy supplies, the system will extract essential information from your Gmail inbox (booking date, location) or search history. And if you need to buy a car part, Gemini will use one of your photos to extract characteristics like make, model, and color, suggesting a nearby store or repair shop.
The new feature also includes an interest-saving function, allowing it to remember hobbies or goals you've shared in previous conversations to improve responses. Google explains that users decide which apps connect to Gemini and what data is shared with it. This feature is disabled by default for privacy reasons, but you can enable (or disable) it at any time to link apps and conversation history.
Google said in a blog post: "When this feature is enabled, Gemini accesses your data to respond to your specific requests and perform tasks on your behalf. Because this data is already securely stored at Google, you won't need to send sensitive data to any other party to begin personalizing your experience."
The company assures that Gemini will attempt to cite or explain the information it uses from your sources, so you don't have to guess where the answer came from. If an error occurs, you can correct it immediately so the correct data is stored and saved for future reference.
According to Google, the Gemini personal AI system was designed with privacy in mind. In addition to controls that allow users to link or share their personal data, the system has extra security safeguards to protect sensitive information. This means that Gemini will not offer any suggestions about your health or other information unless you explicitly request it.
Another important detail to consider is that the AI will not be trained on your Gmail inbox or photos. Google has stated that its model uses only limited information for training, such as some commands and responses. The system uses filters to remove personal data from the conversation before it is sent.
Gemini's personal AI feature will be available starting today to a limited group of paid subscribers on the web, iOS, and Android. As with other features, Google will begin its gradual rollout in the US, with plans to expand to other countries and languages (including Arabic). While early access is currently only available to holders of paid AI Pro or AI Ultra memberships, the new feature will be rolled out to all free account users at a later date.