Google has introduced its new artificial intelligence (AI) assistant, Gemini, with the ability to access information from various Google applications, including Gmail, Google Photos, YouTube, and Google Search. This Personal Intelligence feature was launched in beta in the United States on January 14, 2024, and is expected to be available to eligible subscribers of Google AI Pro and AI Ultra within the week. According to a blog post from the company, Google plans to extend this capability to more countries and to users on the free tier in the future.
The Personal Intelligence feature enhances Gemini’s functionality by connecting it to users’ Google apps. It allows the assistant to draw information from emails, photos, and videos to provide tailored responses. As explained by Josh Woodward, vice president of Google Labs, Gemini and AI Studio, the assistant can combine data from various formats. For instance, it can identify a vehicle’s license plate number from a photo and recommend vacation destinations based on interests expressed in emails.
Users can actively participate in refining Gemini’s performance by asking the assistant about its sources, providing feedback through a “thumbs down” option, or correcting inaccuracies. To prioritize user privacy, Personal Intelligence is deactivated by default and will only connect to selected apps when users opt to enable it. Furthermore, users can manage their settings, including the ability to disconnect the assistant at any time.
Woodward emphasized that because the data is stored securely within Google, users do not need to send sensitive information to external sources to personalize their experience. This is highlighted as a significant advantage of the Personal Intelligence feature. Additionally, the assistant has built-in safeguards for handling sensitive information, such as health data, and does not utilize data from users’ Gmail inboxes or Photos libraries for training purposes.
Reports from PYMNTS indicate that Google has been enhancing Gemini’s capabilities, moving closer to establishing it as a comprehensive AI platform for both individual and business use. It aims to integrate seamlessly into users’ daily routines. According to previous reports from December, Gemini has shown substantial growth, even surpassing OpenAI’s ChatGPT in some areas, although ChatGPT still maintains a user base nearly double that of Gemini.
As Google continues to innovate with its AI offerings, the introduction of Gemini marks a significant step toward making advanced AI technologies more accessible and personalized for users.
