US: Google has begun testing a new feature called Personal Intelligence, designed to make its Gemini chatbot more useful by allowing it to draw information from a user’s own Google apps, such as Gmail and Google Photos.
The update is part of Google’s broader effort to improve how Gemini understands context and delivers answers. Instead of responding only to individual prompts, the chatbot can now connect information across emails, photos, and other Google services to provide more relevant responses.
According to Google, the feature helps Gemini build a broader understanding of a user’s activity and preferences. This allows it to link details from different sources, such as matching an email conversation with a video watched earlier or locating specific moments stored in a photo library without users having to specify where to look.
The company said Gemini can now understand context more naturally and no longer needs users to manually direct it to specific apps like Gmail or Photos to retrieve information. While Gemini already had limited access to Google apps, Personal Intelligence takes this further by enabling deeper reasoning across multiple sources at the same time.
Who can use it
Personal Intelligence is currently available only to Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the United States. It works with personal Google accounts and is turned off by default, meaning users must choose to enable it. Google said the feature will eventually be added to Search’s AI Mode, but for now, it remains a beta feature within the Gemini app.
Today, we’re introducing Personal Intelligence.
With your permission, Gemini can now securely connect information from Google apps like @Gmail, @GooglePhotos, Search and @YouTube history with a single tap to make Gemini uniquely helpful & personalized to *you* ✨
This feature… pic.twitter.com/79zKJGA5ft
— Google (@Google) January 14, 2026
Privacy and limitations
Google stressed that the feature does not train its models directly on users’ Gmail inboxes or photo libraries. Instead, it relies on limited data such as user prompts and Gemini’s responses to improve how the system performs over time.
The company also acknowledged that the tool has limits. Gemini may struggle with timing and nuance, particularly in personal situations such as changing relationships or evolving interests.
For sensitive topics like health, the chatbot avoids making assumptions and will only engage if users raise the subject themselves. Google cautioned that the feature is still evolving and should not be considered error-free.
Why it matters
The rollout comes as competition intensifies in the generative AI space, with companies racing to make assistants more capable and more personal. By deepening Gemini’s integration across its apps, Google is aiming to keep users within its ecosystem while making everyday tasks easier.
Google said the long-term goal is to help users find what they need faster, without having to manually search through emails, photos, or other personal data.
