Google Gemini: the personal intelligence that knows everything about you

Google Gemini's Personal Intelligence Mode

Gemini's personal intelligence mode is now available to all users. This mode leverages data from connected Google services, such as Gmail and Search, to provide personalized advice and assistance.

How to Activate the Mode

To activate this mode, simply go to gemini.google.com, access Settings, and then select Personal Intelligence. Users can then choose which applications they want to connect. Google provides several examples of how to use this tool:

• Request a jacket that matches a recently purchased shirt
• Get technical support for a new robot vacuum
• Receive lunch suggestions during a flight layover
• Find activities to do during an upcoming trip

User Experience with the Personalized Mode

During a test of this feature, an example from Google's post was used: "I need new tires for my car." The AI immediately provided suggestions for the user's car and their spouse's car, mentioning the make, model, and color of each vehicle. It indicated the necessary size, offered several options at different price points, along with reviews for each, and recommended local stores where the tires could be purchased.

Without personalization, the search yielded information about tire sizes, brand recommendations, and retailer options, but these were not tailored to the user's region.

Reactions to Personalization

The personalized mode proved to be much more useful. Although the AI obtained the information from a source, there were no links to citations. When asked about the origin of these details, the AI responded that the user had received recent service reminders for these vehicles. It also mentioned images of these cars in the photo library, confirming they were the user's current vehicles.

In another request to find a new t-shirt for a favorite team, the AI mode displayed options for the user's favorite baseball team, their local NFL team, and their college team, even noting that the user was a "frequent attendee" at games for the latter two. It even suggested sizes based on other clothing orders found in the user's emails.

While the user had long since abandoned any illusions of online privacy, they were slightly unsettled by how quickly the personal intelligence extracted details about their life. However, they had to admit that it was surprisingly useful. If privacy is a concern, this mode is probably not for you, but if you don't mind Gemini accessing your already available information, you'll quickly discover many ways to utilize this new feature.