Google has introduced a new beta feature called “Personal Intelligence” for its Gemini AI, enabling a deep, opt-in connection to a user’s personal Google apps. Launching initially for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in the U.S., the feature allows Gemini to securely access data from connected apps like Gmail, Photos, YouTube, and Search to provide highly tailored assistance.

How It Works: Core Strengths and Use Cases

Google states the feature has two core functions: reasoning across complex personal data and retrieving specific details from it. The company provided an illustrative example: a user needing their car's tire size and license plate at a shop. Gemini could find the tire specs, suggest options based on past road trips seen in Photos, retrieve the license plate from a photo, and identify the car's trim via search in Gmail.

Another example highlighted personalized travel planning, where Gemini analyzes past trips from Gmail and Photos to skip generic tourist suggestions and recommend activities aligned with a family's history.

Privacy, Control, and Design Philosophy

Privacy is emphasized as a central tenet:

· Opt-In & User Control: The feature is off by default. Users choose which apps to connect and can disconnect anytime.

· Data Usage for Response, Not Training: Google states that the contents of connected apps (e.g., email bodies, photos) are referenced to answer queries but are not used to train the underlying Gemini models. Model training uses limited, obfuscated data from interactions.

· Transparency and Correction: Gemini will try to cite sources for its answers. Users can correct inaccurate assumptions (e.g., "I don’t like golf") or regenerate responses without personalization.

· Sensitive Topic Guardrails: The AI aims to avoid proactive assumptions about sensitive areas like health but will discuss them if explicitly asked.

Current Limitations and Beta Purpose

Google explicitly notes the beta has known limitations:

· It may produce inaccuracies or "over-personalize," making incorrect connections between unrelated data.

· It may struggle with nuance and timing, such as understanding changes in relationships or contexts (e.g., being at an event for a loved one, not for personal interest).

· Users are encouraged to provide feedback via thumbs-down ratings to help improve the system.

Availability and Access

The beta is rolling out over the next week to U.S. subscribers of Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra plans. It works across Web, Android, and iOS. Google plans to expand it to more countries and to free users over time, with integration into AI Mode in Search also planned. It is currently for personal Google accounts only and not available for Workspace (business/education) users.

Eligible users can enable it in Gemini Settings under "Personal Intelligence" and "Connected Apps."