Google Adds Personal Intelligence to AI Mode

Google Brings Personal Intelligence to AI Mode for More Personalized Search

Google is expanding AI Mode — its conversational Search feature for complex queries — by adding Personal Intelligence. The opt-in feature lets AI Mode tap into your Gmail and Google Photos to deliver more individualized responses and recommendations.

What is Personal Intelligence?

Personal Intelligence is a privacy-controlled feature Google first introduced in the Gemini app. It connects the AI assistant to data across your Google account — including Gmail, Photos, Search, and YouTube history — to tailor answers to your preferences, plans, and past activity.

"With Personal Intelligence, recommendations don't just match your interests — they fit seamlessly into your life," said Robby Stein, VP of Product, Google Search.

Who gets access and where

• The feature is rolling out to AI Mode for Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers.
• Initial availability is in English and limited to U.S. users.
• It is opt-in: users can enable or disable Personal Intelligence at any time.

How it works (and what it won't do)

Personal Intelligence does not train directly on your entire Gmail inbox or Google Photos library. Instead, Google says the model trains on the specific prompts you give and the model's responses. The system uses signals from your connected Google services to shape replies without exposing raw data.

Real-world examples

Here are ways AI Mode could use Personal Intelligence to help:

• Trip planning: If an itinerary and hotel booking appear in Gmail and past travel photos are in Google Photos, AI Mode can suggest personalized activities and restaurants — for example, a family-friendly schedule or a nostalgic ice cream parlor based on many ice cream photos.
• Shopping recommendations: AI Mode can factor in your purchase history and preferred brands to suggest items suited to your trip destination and timing, such as a windproof coat for a March trip to Chicago.
• Creative planning: Ask for a scavenger hunt or personalized bedroom décor ideas using names and context stored in your connected accounts for more tailored suggestions.

Privacy and control

Google emphasizes users remain in control. Personal Intelligence is optional and can be switched off. The feature aims to provide convenience — like a personal assistant or shopper that already knows your preferences — while offering settings to limit access to sensitive content.

Why this matters

By bringing Personal Intelligence to both Gemini and AI Mode, Google leverages the rich data within its ecosystem to create experiences competitors may struggle to match. For general users, it promises faster, more relevant search interactions. For niche audiences — including those tracking gaming news or planning game-centric trips or purchases — the system could surface tailored recommendations that reflect past behavior and interests.

Bottom line

Personal Intelligence in AI Mode makes Google Search feel more personal and proactive. If you opt in, expect search answers and recommendations that draw on your Gmail and Photos to match your life and preferences — all with controls to manage privacy.

Image Credits: Google

About the reporter: Aisha is a consumer news reporter at TechCrunch. She joined the publication in 2021 after covering telecom at MobileSyrup. She holds an honours bachelor's degree from the University of Toronto and a master's degree in journalism from Western University. Contact: [email protected] or encrypted at aisha_malik.01 on Signal.