Google Expands Personal Intelligence to Search AI Mode, Deepening Ecosystem Integration

Google has expanded its Personal Intelligence feature beyond Gemini to Search's AI Mode, enabling personalized results powered by Gemini 3. This integration allows subscribers to connect their Gmail and Google Photos accounts to receive AI-generated responses tailored to their personal history and preferences.

The feature, currently available exclusively to Google AI Pro and Google AI Ultra subscribers in the US (English only), requires manual activation. Users must navigate to Google Search, tap their profile, select "Search personalization," choose "Connected Content Apps," and connect Workspace and Google Photos. This opt-in Labs feature demonstrates Google's continued development of personalized AI functionality.

Practical applications include shopping recommendations that reference recent purchases visible in your email receipts, or travel suggestions that incorporate hotel bookings from Gmail and vacation photos. When searching for clothing, Personal Intelligence might suggest new items from brands you've recently purchased. For restaurant or activity ideas, it can reference upcoming travel plans and past experiences documented in your photos.

Google emphasizes privacy safeguards: Gemini 3 doesn't directly train on your Gmail inbox or Photos library. Training is confined to "limited info, like specific prompts in AI Mode and the model's responses" to improve functionality over time. This approach aims to balance personalization with data protection.

The expansion strengthens Google's ecosystem integration strategy. By connecting core services like Search, Gmail, Photos, and Gemini under a unified AI framework, Google creates a more cohesive user experience while increasing reliance on its ecosystem. This development follows Apple's recent partnership with Google's Gemini, highlighting the growing importance of cross-service AI personalization in mobile ecosystems.

Availability remains limited to premium subscribers, reflecting Google's tiered AI strategy where advanced features require paid subscriptions. As Personal Intelligence evolves, its implementation will likely influence how competing platforms approach personalized AI in search and productivity tools.