TL;DR
Google has begun beta testing a new Gemini feature called Personal Intelligence that links the assistant to a user's Google apps to deliver personalized, context-aware responses. The tool is off by default, requires opt-in permissions, and is initially rolling out to eligible AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S.
What happened
Google introduced Personal Intelligence, a beta capability for its Gemini assistant designed to produce personalized answers by accessing a user's Google data stores such as Gmail, Photos, Search and YouTube watch history. Built on Gemini 3, the feature combines two main abilities: reasoning across multiple, complex sources and retrieving specific items—like a photo or an email line—to inform replies. Personal Intelligence stays disabled until a user opts in and allows which apps Gemini may consult; Google says the assistant will only use the connected data when it judges a personalized response is helpful, not for every query. Google describes the approach as retrieval-based rather than training the underlying model on a user’s private files. The company demoed scenarios such as finding vehicle details from photos and tailoring travel suggestions from past emails and pictures. The feature is available today to eligible AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S., with wider U.S. availability expected in roughly a week and broader expansion planned later.
Why it matters
- Personal Intelligence could make assistant responses more practically useful by combining information from across a user’s Google accounts.
- The opt-in model and per-app permissions aim to give users control over what data Gemini can access.
- Google’s retrieval-first approach is positioned to limit using private files as training data, addressing one privacy concern.
- Initial availability for paid tiers means general users will not see the feature immediately.
Key facts
- Feature name: Personal Intelligence, a beta for Gemini.
- Integrates with Gmail, Google Photos, Search and YouTube watch history to tailor responses.
- Powered by Gemini 3, emphasizing reasoning across multiple sources and targeted retrieval.
- Experience is off by default; users must opt in and choose which apps Gemini may access.
- Gemini will not consult connected apps for every query—only when it deems personalization helpful.
- Google says the model is not trained on a user’s Gmail or Photos; it retrieves relevant items instead.
- Personal Intelligence will not be used for sensitive topics such as health data unless explicitly asked.
- Rolling out today to eligible Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S.; broader U.S. availability expected within about a week and expansion to more countries and free tier planned later.
- If eligible, users should see an invitation in the Gemini app or can enable it via Settings > Personal Intelligence.
What to watch next
- How quickly Personal Intelligence expands from eligible U.S. subscribers to more countries and Gemini’s free tier.
- User adoption and the kinds of prompts where Gemini opts to use Personal Intelligence versus standard queries.
- not confirmed in the source: How third-party or enterprise Google Workspace data will be handled by Personal Intelligence.
Quick glossary
- Gemini: Google’s family of large language models and the conversational assistant interfaces that use them.
- Personal Intelligence: A Gemini beta feature that can access a user’s approved Google apps to provide context-aware, personalized responses.
- Retrieval method: An approach where the model locates and references specific user data for a response rather than training the model directly on that data.
- Google ecosystem: The suite of Google services and apps, such as Gmail, Photos, Search and YouTube, that can be linked for integrated experiences.
Reader FAQ
What is Personal Intelligence?
A beta Gemini feature that uses approved Google app data to produce context-aware, personalized answers.
Which apps can Personal Intelligence access?
Google says it can connect to Gmail, Photos, Search and YouTube watch history; users choose which apps to enable.
Will Google train its models on my personal emails or photos?
Google states it does not train Gemini directly on a user’s Gmail or Photos; it uses a retrieval method to reference relevant items.
Is Personal Intelligence available to everyone now?
No. It is rolling out to eligible AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S. first, with wider availability to follow.
Will Personal Intelligence access health data automatically?
No. Google says it will not use Personal Intelligence for sensitive topics like health unless the user explicitly asks about that data.
Google says Gemini's Personal Intelligence is the context-aware AI you've been looking for By Karandeep Singh Oberoi Published 24 minutes ago Karandeep Singh Oberoi is a Durham College Journalism and…
Sources
- Google says Gemini's Personal Intelligence is the context-aware AI you've been looking for
- Google's Gemini AI will use what it knows about you from …
- Google connects Gemini to users' emails and photos in …
- Gemini's new beta feature provides proactive responses …
Related posts
- Bandcamp bans AI-generated music, positioning itself for artist protection
- Google’s Gemini to use Gmail, Search, YouTube and Photos for Personal AI
- NBC Sports rolls out real-time AI player tracking for personalized mobile viewing