Key Takeaways
- Google is launching Personal Intelligence, a new beta capability in the Gemini app that allows the assistant to tailor responses by reasoning across a user’s connected Google services.
- The feature is available to Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the US and will be rolled out to the free Gemini app and AI Mode in Search.
- Personal Intelligence uses Gemini 3 to analyze and reason across multiple apps simultaneously, providing more relevant recommendations and answers.
- Google’s strategic positioning in the AI race is focused on context, distribution, and trust, rather than just model quality.
- The company is prioritizing privacy and control, with the feature being off by default and users having the option to opt out of personalization.
Introduction to Personal Intelligence
Google is escalating the competition in artificial intelligence by leveraging its ecosystem of consumer apps used daily by billions of people. The company has unveiled Personal Intelligence, a new beta capability in the Gemini app that allows the assistant to tailor responses by reasoning across a user’s connected Google services, starting with Gmail, Photos, Search, and YouTube history. This feature represents a significant change forward, as Gemini can now analyze and reason across multiple apps simultaneously, surfacing insights without users having to specify where to look. As Google VP Josh Woodward notes, "The best assistants don’t just know the world; they know you and help you navigate it."
How Personal Intelligence Works
Personal Intelligence is powered by Gemini 3, which enables the system to connect information from different apps and provide more relevant recommendations or answers. For example, Gemini might connect a Gmail confirmation with photos from a past trip and videos a user watched on YouTube to provide more personalized suggestions. This contextual depth highlights Google’s strategic positioning in the AI race, as the company is using its control over consumer platforms like Gmail, YouTube, Photos, and Search to provide differentiated value. As Woodward explains, "This marks our next step toward making Gemini more personal, proactive, and powerful."
Privacy and Control
Google is prioritizing privacy and control with the launch of Personal Intelligence. The feature is off by default, and users must explicitly choose which apps to connect. Even when enabled, Gemini will not personalize every response, instead applying Personal Intelligence only when it determines it will be helpful. Users can opt out of personalization for specific responses, disconnect apps at any time, and manage or delete past chats. Woodward warns about potential "over-personalization," where the model makes connections between unrelated topics, and encourages users to provide feedback by giving the response a "thumbs down" if this occurs.
Rollout and Availability
The rollout of Personal Intelligence begins on the web, Android, and iOS, with the feature initially limited to personal Google accounts and not available for Workspace users, including business, enterprise, and education accounts. Google plans to bring the technology to the free Gemini app and AI Mode in Search in the future. The company is shipping fast, with Woodward noting that users can expect to see the feature develop and improve over time. As he writes in a blog announcing the feature, "When you see this, please provide feedback by giving the response a ‘thumbs down.’" This feedback will help Google refine the feature and provide a better experience for users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Google’s launch of Personal Intelligence marks a significant step forward in the company’s AI strategy. By leveraging its ecosystem of consumer apps and prioritizing context, distribution, and trust, Google is well-positioned to compete in the AI race. As Woodward notes, "The best assistants don’t just know the world; they know you and help you navigate it." With Personal Intelligence, Google is taking a major step towards making Gemini more personal, proactive, and powerful, and providing users with a more helpful and intuitive experience.
https://www.businessinsider.com/google-personal-intelligence-app-empire-gemini-edge-openai-anthropic-ai-2026-1
