In a groundbreaking development, Google Gemini has launched a new conversational AI assistant designed to understand users’ needs through natural dialogue. What sets this assistant apart is its ability to learn from users' everyday interactions with their devices, enhancing its understanding of individual preferences and requirements.
On Thursday, Google introduced Gemini with Personalization, an experimental feature that allows users to connect the assistant to their Search history. This connection aims to provide more relevant and contextual responses. In the coming months, users will also be able to link their Google Photos and YouTube accounts to further enrich the assistant's capabilities.
The Gemini with Personalization feature is powered by an experimental model known as Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking. Users interested in this personalized experience must manually activate the feature by navigating to the Gemini Apps and selecting the Personalization (experimental) model from a drop-down menu. Once activated, Gemini will assess the user’s Search history to determine if it can provide enhanced context for its responses.
Google emphasizes that the Search history will only be utilized if their advanced models ascertain that it can genuinely improve the answer. As this is an experimental feature, Google is committed to gathering user feedback to refine the functionality further.
The integration of an AI model with user Search history inevitably raises privacy concerns. Google is aware of these apprehensions and reassures users that they maintain control over the data. Users can easily disconnect Gemini from their Search history at any time. Additionally, while using this feature, Gemini will display a clear banner containing a link for users to unlink their Search history easily.
Moreover, users can edit their Search history as they normally would, adding a further layer of control over their data. Google also commits to providing clear notifications before linking Gemini with any Search history or applications, ensuring that users are fully informed before proceeding.
The Gemini with Personalization feature is available as an experimental option for Gemini and Gemini Advanced subscribers on the web starting today, with plans for a gradual rollout to mobile users. However, the feature is not accessible to users under 18, nor to Google Workspace and Education accounts.
This update is significant as it positions Gemini as a more integrated personal assistant capable of enhancing your daily workflow. In comparison, Apple is also pursuing a similar goal with its Apple Intelligence initiative, which aims to create a personal intelligence system based on user information and app context. However, Apple Intelligence currently lacks the comprehensive personal assistant capabilities that Gemini aims to provide.
While Apple is working on upgrades to its Siri assistant, these enhancements are reportedly taking longer than expected to reach the public. As both companies strive to redefine the role of AI in personal assistance, the competition is heating up, promising exciting advancements in the field of artificial intelligence.
