Google has introduced new features in the Gemini app to enhance user experience with personalized interactions and flexible chat options. The updates include the ability to reference past conversations and a new Temporary Chats feature.
Personalized Responses Using Past Chats
Siliski noted that Gemini can leverage past conversations to deliver more relevant and fluid responses. When the “Personal context” setting is enabled, Gemini remembers key details and preferences you’ve shared, making interactions feel like talking to a partner who already knows your interests.
Examples of Personalized Context:
- Birthday Ideas: If you’ve talked about favorite comic book characters, Gemini could suggest a themed party, including matching food and a photo booth with props.
- Book Suggestions: Based on past requests for non-fiction summaries, Gemini may recommend similar titles and provide quotes suitable for social posts.
- Video Ideas: For YouTube creators focused on Japanese culture, Gemini might suggest filming experiences like trying traditional foods, crafts, or games.
This feature is enabled by default, but users can adjust it under Settings → Personal context → Your past chats with Gemini, and manage or delete conversations through Gemini Apps Activity.
Temporary Chats for Private Conversations
Gemini now supports Temporary Chats, ideal for quick interactions without affecting future personalized responses.
Temporary Chats:
- Hidden from activity logs and recent chat history
- Excluded from training or personalizing Google AI
- Retained for 72 hours to respond to messages and feedback
Michael Siliski, Senior Director of Product Management for Gemini, noted that this feature is perfect for private questions or brainstorming outside your usual style.
Enhanced Data Controls
Google is also updating how user data is handled:
- Keep Activity: Previously called “Gemini Apps Activity,” this option lets Google use a portion of your uploaded files and photos to enhance its services, and you can disable it whenever you like.
- Media Sharing Controls: Users can decide whether audio, video, or screens shared through Gemini or Gemini Live contribute to improving Google services. This setting is off by default.
Availability
- Personalized responses: Rolling out over the coming weeks for Gemini 2.5 Pro in select countries, with plans to expand to Gemini 2.5 Flash and more regions.
- Temporary Chats: Starting today and gradually expanding to all users over the coming weeks.
Michael Siliski, Senior Director of Product Management for Gemini, said these updates make Gemini more personal, proactive, and flexible, letting users create the experience that’s right for them and make privacy choices that fit their needs.