ZDNET’s key takeaways
- Google is rolling out Gemini Personal Intelligence to Android Auto starting today.
- This gives the AI assistant access to your photos, Gmail, calendar and more.
- It’s an opt-in feature, and you can choose which apps and services to access.
It was only a matter of time. After rolling out Gemini via Android Auto in cars with Google built in late last year, the Mountain View giant is now launching phase two of its AI world domination. Sorry, I mean… launch improvements to the AI assistant to help you live more productively.
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Starting today, you can give Gemini on Android Auto access to your Gmail, calendar, photos, and other native services to provide personalized responses. It’s Personal Intelligence, but for your car.
How does Personal Intelligence help?
Google first launched Personal Intelligence on Android phones and in search, which allows its AI engine to capture, maintain and synthesize information about your personal apps. My colleague, Elyse Betters Picaro, put it to the test in April and found the personalized results very helpful.
That’s why the big push for Personal Intelligence in Android Auto makes a lot of sense. Exchanging the Google Assistant for Gemini, which allows users to communicate with the software in natural language, has already made the driving experience more frictionless.
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Now, by giving the AI added context, such as your upcoming schedule, flights or various photos (think receptions, concert posters, etc.), you are more likely to receive higher quality and relevant answers. In theory, this means fewer follow-up questions, less need to clarify things (because Gemini isn’t always perfect), and more focused driving.
For example, you can ask Gemini which gate your upcoming flight is in and if there are any delays on departure. When you ask about nearby restaurant recommendations, Gemini can cite your search history and emails, note that you’re vegan, and base its suggestions on dietary restrictions.
If Personal Intelligence is turned off, and it will be by default because it’s an opt-in service, Gemini’s answers will continue to be based on general knowledge.
Can I trust personal intelligence?
Google has previously stated that all information processed by Personal Intelligence will remain within the company’s existing secure infrastructure, meaning that it will not be distributed to third-party services. Gemini also does not train fundamental AI models in the personal context, so your information is reserved for your use only.
You can opt in and out of Personal Intelligence at any time, and if you’ve already allowed access to it on your Gemini profile, it will carry over when you’re in the car. For what it’s worth, Google lets you toggle access for specific apps and groups, including the following:
- Google photos
- Google Maps
- Search and discover data
- YouTube and YouTube history
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Calendar and Drive)
You can also delete saved memory items, such as previous conversations with Gemini, in case you don’t want the assistant to bring you the time you requested via the flashing symbol in your dashboard.
Gemini, take the wheel
I can think of several times when I’ve just wished Gemini would understand me better when I’m driving, whether it’s based the artist and song results on the ones I listen to often, or to find me a gas station at EWR instead of JFK because I just flew out of one last year.
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Upgrading the AI context with Personal Intelligence should fix most of these problems, but I’m not holding my breath for a nearly flawless exchange every time. I also wonder if digging deeper for information will noticeably delay the Gemini’s responses, especially when I’m on the road and the signal might not always be reliable.