Google’s AI chatbot, Gemini, may soon undergo a significant upgrade that enables it to access users’ search history for more personalized interactions. This feature, known as ‘Gemini Personalization,’ was uncovered in an APK teardown of the Google app beta (version 16.8.31) by Android Authority.
What’s the Gemini Personalization model?
The Gemini Personalization model is designed to tailor assistance based on previous user searches. Upon opting in, it would access Google Search history to provide responses better aligned with individual interests. This feature requires users to have the ‘Web & App Activity’ setting enabled.
For users concerned about privacy, a confirmation pop-up indicates that data will not be shared across different Gemini models unless explicitly allowed. Access will be restricted to the Personalization model, and users will have the option to opt out.
According to Android Authority, Gemini’s beta version could summarize recent searches and highlight specific queries from the past two months. Although still in an experimental stage, these capabilities could benefit frequent Google Search users.
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Anticipation surrounds the rollout of the Personalization model, which is expected to be available exclusively for users of Gemini Advanced, requiring a Google One subscription priced at £18.99/$20 per month. An official announcement regarding the launch date has not yet been made.
The functionality of Gemini Personalization remains unofficially acknowledged by Google, but Android Authority reported accessing its features through the latest app code. Gemini specifies that only the Personalization model will link to search history, ensuring that interactions in this model are not used to enhance other Gemini versions, do not leave digital traces beyond the chat history, and will be deleted within 60 days.
To utilize this feature, users will need to grant permission for Gemini to view their search history and enable Web & App Activity in their Google settings. This grants users the ability to ask specific questions about prior searches or queries answered based on their search history. For example, users could ask Gemini about a restaurant searched for recently or request recommendations for tourist sites in NYC referencing previous searches. The chatbot may respond with tailored suggestions, such as recommending locally owned Italian restaurants based on the user’s previous interests.
The extent of search history accessible to Gemini is not yet fully determined. The APK teardown indicated that Gemini could reference searches dating back several months, potentially as far as January. While the current version may be limited, expanded access to more extensive historical data could enhance its capabilities. Users can currently locate over a decade of their Google Search history on their Google Activity page, suggesting that if broader access is allowed, it would significantly transform the user experience with Gemini.
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