Google’s AI Mode, the conversational Search feature designed for intricate questions, is becoming more tailored to individual users. The tech giant announced on Thursday that it is integrating “Personal Intelligence” into AI Mode, allowing it to access your Gmail and Google Photos to deliver more customized responses.
The company first introduced Personal Intelligence last week within the Gemini app. This feature enables the AI assistant to customize its replies by linking across your Google ecosystem, initially including Gmail, Photos, Search, and YouTube history.
This opt-in functionality is now being rolled out to AI Mode for Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in English, specifically within the U.S.
By bringing Personal Intelligence to both Gemini and AI Mode, Google is harnessing the extensive user data already present within its services. Since users actively engage with platforms like Gmail and Photos, Google can offer more bespoke experiences that competitors would find challenging to replicate. Naturally, not all users will want AI accessing their personal photos and emails, so the Personal Intelligence feature can be enabled or disabled at any time.
“With Personal Intelligence, recommendations don’t just match your interests — they fit seamlessly into your life,” explained Robby Stein, VP of Product, Google Search, in a blog post. “You don’t have to constantly explain your preferences or existing plans, it selects recommendations just for you, right from the start.”
For instance, if you are planning a trip and looking for activities and dining options that appeal to your entire family, AI Mode with Personal Intelligence can utilize your hotel booking from Gmail and past travel memories from Google Photos. This allows it to suggest a customized itinerary with something for everyone. You might, for example, receive suggestions for an old-fashioned ice cream parlor, drawing on numerous ice cream selfies saved in Google Photos.
Google emphasizes that AI Mode will not merely present a generic list of restaurants and activities; instead, it provides a personalized foundation for your planning.
“Personal Intelligence can also be particularly helpful for shopping, because AI Mode considers the types of items you buy and where you shop,” Stein wrote. “If you need a new coat for your upcoming trip, AI Mode could automatically take into account the brands you prefer, as well as your flight confirmation in Gmail to identify the destination and timing (Chicago in March). You’ll get suggestions for windproof, versatile coats that fit the weather and your preferred look. It’s like a personal shopper who already knows your itinerary and the vibe you’re going for.”
Google indicates other potential questions include: “Create a scavenger hunt for [partner’s name] to celebrate our anniversary. For each location, include a hint about us,” or “I’m decorating [child’s name ]’s bedroom, give me ideas for a theme and suggestions for decor.”
The company clarifies that AI Mode does not directly train on the content of your Gmail inbox or Google Photos library. Instead, its learning process is based on specific prompts and the subsequent responses generated by the model.