Google Search’s AI Mode just got a new superpower, and it involves your personal info
Google Search's new AI update connects your digital life.
Google Search is getting a personalized upgrade that lets it peek at your photos and emails to answer your questions. This follows the recent rollout of the same feature to the Gemini app.
We recently covered how Personal Intelligence arrived on the Gemini app, but now that same feature is coming directly to Google Search. In a blog post, Google announced that it is adding "Personal Intelligence" to AI Mode in Search.
Here is the simple version: if you turn this feature on, Google Search can look at your Gmail and Google Photos to help you find answers that are unique to you. It basically connects the dots between what you are searching for and what is already in your phone.
For example, if you type "show me my upcoming flight details," you won't get a generic airline link. Instead, Google will pull the actual flight number and time right from your Gmail confirmation. Or, if you ask for "restaurants I visited in Paris," it can look through your vacation photos to find those specific spots.
If you read our coverage on the Gemini update, you know we were cautiously optimistic about this tech. Bringing it to the main search bar makes it even more so for me personally since that is where I usually start my day.
Google Search gets to know you
We recently covered how Personal Intelligence arrived on the Gemini app, but now that same feature is coming directly to Google Search. In a blog post, Google announced that it is adding "Personal Intelligence" to AI Mode in Search.
How to turn it on
Since this involves your private info, Google isn't turning it on by default. You have to choose to use it by following the below steps:
- Open the Google app and tap your profile picture.
- Look for Search Labs or AI Mode settings.
- Toggle on Personal Intelligence.
- Select which apps (like Photos or Gmail) you want to connect.
Why you should pay attention to this
This is great news if you live inside the Google ecosystem. If you use Gmail for bookings and Google Photos for memories, searching becomes much faster because you don't have to hunt for specific emails or scroll through thousands of pictures.
Of course, privacy is the big question. However, Google promises that your personal data is safe and that it is not used to show you ads or to train their public AI models. It is strictly for answering your specific questions.
A personalized search bar
If you read our coverage on the Gemini update, you know we were cautiously optimistic about this tech. Bringing it to the main search bar makes it even more so for me personally since that is where I usually start my day.
I have to say, though, the idea of a search bar that remembers the types of shops I love or knows exactly when my flight lands is incredibly tempting. However, it really comes down to trust. If you are comfortable trading a bit of privacy for a lot of convenience, this could be that game-changer you've been waiting for.
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