AI Mode, Google’s conversational search feature for complex questions, is more personalized. The tech giant announced Thursday that it will bring “personal intelligence” to its AI mode, leveraging Gmail and Google Photos to provide more personalized responses.
Last week, the company debuted Personal Intelligence in its Gemini app, connecting to the entire Google ecosystem, including Gmail, Photos, Search, and YouTube history, allowing the AI assistant to tailor responses.
The opt-in feature is starting to roll out to AI Mode in English for Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the US.
By bringing personal intelligence to Gemini and AI Mode, Google is leveraging the wealth of user data already in its ecosystem. Because users already rely on services like Gmail and Photos, Google can offer a more personalized experience that competitors can’t easily imitate. Of course, not everyone wants an AI to look through their photos and emails, so you can turn Personal Intelligence on or off at any time.
“With personal intelligence, recommendations don’t just match your interests, they fit seamlessly into your life,” explained Robbie Stein, vice president of Google Search Products, in a blog post. “You don’t have to constantly explain your preferences or existing plans. Recommendations are chosen just for you from the start.”
Let’s say you’re planning a vacation and looking for activities and places to eat that the whole family will enjoy. AI mode with personal intelligence uses your hotel reservations in Gmail and your past travel memories in Google Photos to suggest itineraries tailored to everyone. For example, Google might show you recommendations for classic ice cream parlors and other places based on the many ice cream selfies you have in Google Photos.
Google points out that AI mode doesn’t just give you a general list of restaurants and activities. Instead, it provides a starting point for a personalized plan.
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“Personal intelligence is also particularly useful for shopping, as the AI mode takes into account the types of products you buy and where you shop,” Stein wrote. “If you need a new coat for an upcoming trip, AI mode automatically takes into account your preferred brand and your flight confirmation in Gmail to determine your destination and time of year (Chicago in March). You’ll get suggestions for windproof, versatile coats that match the weather and style you like. It’s like a personal shopper that already knows your itinerary and the vibe you’re looking for.”
Other questions, according to Google, include “To celebrate our anniversary, please do a scavenger hunt for (partner’s name). Please include a hint about us in each location,” or “I’m decorating (child’s name)’s bedroom and would like some theme ideas and decorating suggestions.”
The company notes that AI mode doesn’t train directly in your Gmail inbox or Google Photos library. Instead, you train based on specific prompts and model responses.
