Google, following last week’s rollout of Gemini Personal Intelligence, is now expanding Personal Intelligence to AI Mode in Search, allowing users to access personalized recommendations and insights by connecting their Gmail and Google Photos accounts. The feature is designed to make Search responses uniquely tailored to each user.
Personalized Search That Understands You
Personal Intelligence enhances Google Search by connecting insights across Google apps. Users can opt-in to link Gmail and Google Photos with AI Mode, enabling the AI to provide responses based on their personal data, past activities, and preferences.
This allows AI Mode to offer recommendations that fit the user’s context, reducing the need to repeatedly explain preferences or plans. It offers:
Tailored Recommendations
With Personal Intelligence enabled, AI Mode can generate recommendations across areas like shopping, travel, and lifestyle.
Examples include:
- Travel: AI Mode can reference hotel bookings in Gmail and travel photos in Google Photos to suggest family-friendly activities, restaurants, and itineraries based on past interests.
- Shopping: The system considers prior purchases, preferred brands, and upcoming trips to recommend items like weather-appropriate coats that align with user preferences.
- Creative Queries: Users can ask imaginative questions such as “if my life were a movie, what would the title and genre be” or “describe my perfect day.”
Robby Stein, VP of Product, Google Search highlighted in the blog that internal testing showed users discovering suggestions they may not have otherwise considered, improving convenience and relevance.
Privacy and Control
Google emphasizes that Personal Intelligence is designed with user control and transparency:
- Connecting Gmail and Google Photos is strictly opt-in, with the option to disconnect at any time.
- AI Mode uses the Gemini 3 model but does not train directly on Gmail or Photos; only prompt-specific data and responses are used to improve functionality.
- Users can correct AI recommendations or provide feedback with the “thumbs down” feature if results are inaccurate or irrelevant.
Google notes that while Personal Intelligence can be helpful, errors may occur if unrelated topics are incorrectly connected or context is misinterpreted.
A Smarter Search Experience
By securely connecting Gmail and Google Photos, AI Mode in Search can deliver recommendations that account for personal schedules, preferences, and past experiences. From travel planning to shopping suggestions, the system aims to offer context-aware assistance that complements standard Search results.
Availability and Access
The Personal Intelligence feature is rolling out as a Labs feature for eligible Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in English in the U.S. over the coming days. It is not available for Workspace business, enterprise, or education accounts.
To enable Personal Intelligence:
- Open Google Search and tap your profile.
- Go to Search personalization.
- Select Connected Content Apps.
- Connect Gmail and Google Photos.
Once enabled, AI Mode can provide personalized, context-driven insights and recommendations based on connected content.