Google is enhancing its Gemini AI assistant in vehicles with a new Personal Intelligence feature, allowing the assistant to draw on information from a user's connected Google services. This upgrade, as reported by TechCrunch and The Verge, aims to make the in-car AI experience more personalized for drivers.
What Personal Intelligence Does
The Personal Intelligence feature integrates data from various Google applications. The Verge states that Gemini can access information across Gmail, Calendar, Maps, Photos, YouTube, and Search. TechCrunch additionally notes its ability to use Google Search history to understand user preferences, activities, and past experiences. This connectivity is designed to link information across users' Google apps, a point Google highlighted in its blog post, according to TechCrunch.
For instance, TechCrunch and The Verge both provide the example of a driver navigating to an airport. The AI assistant could alert the driver to a flight delay, pulling flight details from a calendar entry or an email confirmation in Gmail. TechCrunch further explains that users could then follow up with complex natural language requests, such as asking for a flight gate and immediately inquiring if the flight is still on time, with Gemini providing a combined answer. The Verge adds examples such as asking Gemini to navigate to a doctor's appointment or to a car wash identified from a photo taken previously.
How It Rolls Out
The rollout of Personal Intelligence with Gemini will occur in two stages, covering both Android Auto and vehicles with Google Built-in, as detailed by TechCrunch and The Verge. The feature is launching in Android Auto starting today. For cars equipped with Google Built-in, the feature is expected to expand in the coming months. TechCrunch notes that Gemini itself initially launched in Android Auto last November, while The Verge reports Gemini came to Android Auto last year before rolling out to cars with Google Built-in in April. Personal Intelligence, as a separate feature, had previously rolled out across the U.S. in March and is currently in beta in global markets, according to TechCrunch.
User Control and Privacy
Users must opt-in for Personal Intelligence to function, a detail emphasized by both TechCrunch and The Verge. Google states that users maintain full control over their data, with the option to turn the feature on or off at any time and selectively choose which apps to connect, according to TechCrunch. The Verge clarifies that even without Personal Intelligence enabled, core car functions like navigation, music playback, calls, and general questions remain accessible, though answers will not be tailored to the user. TechCrunch mentions that this level of integration might cause some discomfort for consumers, despite Google's assurances regarding data control.
Several car manufacturers, including Ford, GM, Honda, Nissan, Volvo, and Polestar, have shipped newer vehicles with Google Built-in, which provides native Android app support, as reported by The Verge.
