Google Challenges Apple Intelligence With Gemini

Google has started to introduce a significant new feature for its Gemini artificial intelligence assistant, referred to as Personal Intelligence, which is meant to use the data from the users’ Google apps to create more context-sensitive and customized responses. The service was first made available in beta this week for the American subscribers of Google’s AI Pro and AI Ultra plans.

Personal Intelligence is the complete opposite of the classical AI chat that works based on generic prompts only. It allows Gemini to access the user’s Gmail, Google Photos, Search history, and YouTube activity, of course, with the user’s explicit consent, and customize its answers accordingly. The company claims that this will not be the case in the near future since the AI will not only provide general information but also bring personal context into practical situations.

Google gave an example where Gemini connected to the apps and data and performed a day-to-day task like identifying the correct tire size for a minivan by going through the previous emails and photos of the family trip, as well as recommending the best suitable all-weather tire options.

By default, the feature is opted in, and users can choose which apps Gemini can access. Google points out that Personal Intelligence supports its AI training indirectly through users’ personal content, no matter how private it is. However, personal data is referenced moment-by-moment to assist in response generation and to increase relevance. Furthermore, users have the option to ask for the replies to be regenerated without personalization or to take part in temporary non-personalized chats.

With the launch, privacy concerns have also come up alongside it, with experts suggesting that consolidating access to very private data like emails and photo libraries could increase the risks if not handled correctly. On the other hand, Google guarantees that it has installed stringent security measures, including user controls and transparency regarding the information that informs each answer.

Google Challenges Apple Intelligence with Massive Gemini ‘Personal Intelligence’ Rollout