Google Wants Gemini to Get to Know You Better—Here’s What That Means

Google is doubling down on AI personalization with its latest Gemini update. In a bid to make its chatbot more useful—and more engaging—Google is introducing "Gemini with personalization," a new experimental feature that customizes responses based on users' internet habits and activity across Google services.

AI Chatbots Enter the Personalization Era

With AI chatbots becoming a competitive space, tech giants are racing to offer unique features that set them apart. Google believes that the key to user retention is delivering responses tailored to individual needs, something generic AI models can’t provide.

The newly announced Gemini with personalization allows the chatbot to draw insights from a user's interactions with Google apps like Search, YouTube, and Photos. This capability, Google says, will make responses feel more intuitive and relevant.

“These updates are all designed to make Gemini feel less like a tool and more like a natural extension of you, anticipating your needs with truly personalized assistance,” said Dave Citron, Gemini's product director, in a statement to TechCrunch.

Early testers have reportedly found this feature useful for brainstorming ideas and getting personalized recommendations.

How Gemini with Personalization Works

Google's personalization feature will first integrate with Google Search before expanding to other services. The AI, powered by Google’s Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental model, determines whether a user’s personal data—such as their Search history—can enhance a response.

For example:

• Travel recommendations: Ask Gemini where to go on vacation, and it will consider your past travel-related searches.

• Dining suggestions: Request restaurant recommendations, and Gemini will factor in your previous food-related searches.

This approach is meant to make AI assistance feel more intuitive, offering responses that align with users’ preferences.

Privacy Concerns and Opt-In Model

While personalized AI sounds convenient, it also raises privacy concerns. Google has acknowledged these risks, ensuring that Gemini with personalization will be strictly opt-in.

Users under 18 won’t have access to this feature. Additionally, Gemini will request explicit permission before tapping into Search history or other Google apps. A banner will indicate when personalization is active, and users can easily disconnect at any time.

“Gemini will only access your Search history when you’ve opted in, given explicit permission, and have Web & App Activity enabled,” Citron explained.

Rollout and Future Plans

Starting Thursday, Gemini with personalization will be available to users on the web, excluding Google Workspace and Google for Education accounts. A mobile rollout will follow, with support in over 40 languages and most countries—except for the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the U.K.

Notably, Google hinted that this feature may not remain free indefinitely. “Future usage limits may apply,” Citron noted, suggesting that access could be restricted or monetized later based on user demand.

More Updates: AI Models, Research, and App Integration

Alongside personalization, Google has announced several new enhancements to the Gemini ecosystem:

1. Upgraded AI Models and Expanded Context Window

Subscribers to Gemini Advanced (Google’s $20/month premium plan) will now get access to an upgraded version of 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental. This model supports:

• File attachments

• Integrations with Google Calendar, Notes, and Tasks

• A 1-million-token context window (roughly 750,000 words), allowing for more complex queries

The updated model is said to be faster and more efficient, improving multitasking capabilities.

2. Deep Research Gets Smarter

Google is enhancing its Deep Research feature, which compiles detailed reports based on web searches. Now, it will:

• Show its step-by-step reasoning

• Use 2.0 Flash Thinking Experimental as its default AI model

• Provide more insightful and high-quality reports

Deep Research is now available to all Gemini users, with expanded usage for Gemini Advanced subscribers.

3. Free Users Get More Features

Google is making its Gems feature—customizable chatbots within Gemini—available to all users, not just premium subscribers.

Additionally, Google Photos integration is coming soon, allowing users to search for specific images through Gemini.

The AI Battle Heats Up

With OpenAI enhancing ChatGPT and Amazon preparing a revamped Alexa, Google is making its move by emphasizing personalized AI experiences. While privacy concerns will remain a hot topic, the push toward more tailored AI assistance could redefine how users interact with chatbots.

FAQ

1. Will Gemini with personalization be free forever?

Google has hinted at potential usage limits in the future, meaning some features may become premium.

2. How does Gemini personalize responses?

It analyzes your interactions with Google apps—like Search, YouTube, and Photos—to tailor answers based on your interests.

3. Can I turn off personalization?

Yes, Gemini with personalization is opt-in, and users can disable it at any time.

4. Is my private data at risk?

Google states that Gemini only accesses personal data if you’ve given explicit permission and have Web & App Activity enabled.