Prime Highlight

• Google has introduced a new AI feature in its Gemini app that connects user data across apps to deliver more personalised and context-aware responses.
• The move strengthens Google’s push to position Gemini as a leading personal AI assistant amid rising competition from OpenAI and Apple.

Key Facts

• The Personal Intelligencefeature is currently in beta, available to Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the US, and will expand to Search AI Mode later this year.
• The tool is off by default, and Google said it does not train AI models directly on users’ Gmail inboxes or Google Photos libraries.

Background

Google has launched a new artificial intelligence feature called Personal Intelligence in its Gemini app, allowing users to get more personalised answers by connecting information from apps such as Gmail and Google Photos. The tool is currently in beta and will be rolled out to Google’s Search AI Mode later this year.

The feature is available to users with personal Google accounts and will first reach Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the United States. Google said the option will remain turned off by default, giving users full control over whether they want to use it.

Josh Woodward, Vice President of Google Labs and head of the Gemini app, said the new tool lets Gemini understand what users need without being told where to look. He said the AI can now link details from emails, photos, and other activity to offer smarter responses. However, he warned users that the beta version may still make mistakes and asked them to share feedback.

According to Google, Gemini 3 can now reason across user data to surface helpful insights instead of only pulling basic information from apps. This move marks the company’s latest effort to strengthen Gemini as it competes with OpenAI and other AI developers.

The new tool also places Google in direct competition with Apple Intelligence, Apple’s personal AI system that connects apps to help users write, create images and understand context. Earlier this week, Apple confirmed it will use Google’s technology to power several of its AI features, including a major Siri upgrade.

Woodward said Gemini may face issues with timing and sensitive personal changes, such as relationship updates. For health-related topics, he said the system will avoid making assumptions unless users ask direct questions.

Google also clarified that it does not train its AI models directly on personal Gmail inboxes or photo libraries. Instead, it uses limited data such as user prompts and responses to improve performance over time.