Google has launched a significant update for its Gemini artificial intelligence assistant, moving it beyond generic responses to offer answers tailored specifically to you. The new feature, called 'Personal Intelligence,' allows Gemini to draw information from your personal Google apps to provide more relevant and helpful replies.
How Gemini's Personal Intelligence Works
Announced on Google's official blog on 15 January 2026, this update represents a shift in how AI assistants function. When a user opts in and grants permission, Gemini can connect information across approved services like Gmail, Google Photos, Search, and YouTube.
This means the AI can perform tasks that require personal context. For instance, if you ask, "Where did I park at the mall last week?" Gemini could reference a photo from your Google Photos library with your car's location. If you need details of a past flight or hotel booking, it can extract the confirmation from your Gmail inbox.
The core aim is to save time. Instead of manually searching through years of emails or thousands of photos, users can ask Gemini a single question and receive an answer synthesised from their own digital history.
Privacy Controls and User Consent Are Central
Given that the feature accesses personal data, Google has emphasised user control and privacy. Personal Intelligence is turned off by default and is entirely optional. Users must actively choose to enable it and then select which specific Google apps Gemini can access.
These permissions can be revoked at any time. Google also states that Gemini will show or explain the source of information used in its answers, providing transparency. The company adds that the AI will avoid making sensitive assumptions, such as those related to health, unless a user explicitly asks for such information.
Availability and The Future of Personal AI
Currently, the Personal Intelligence feature is in a beta rollout limited to users in the United States. It is available exclusively to subscribers on Google's paid AI plans, such as Google AI Pro and AI Ultra. Google plans to expand the feature to more regions over time based on testing and feedback.
This update signals where Google believes AI is heading: away from one-size-fits-all chatbots and towards assistants that understand an individual's unique context. For users deeply embedded in Google's ecosystem, it promises a more efficient digital helper. For others, it presents a clear choice between greater convenience and maintaining stricter data boundaries.
