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Google’s AI Mode now integrates with Gmail and Photos for personalized answers. Posted on : Jan 22 - 2026
Google’s AI Mode, its conversational Search feature designed for complex queries, is becoming more personalized. The company announced Thursday that it is bringing “Personal Intelligence” to AI Mode, allowing the feature to draw on data from Gmail and Google Photos to deliver more individualized responses.
 
Google first introduced Personal Intelligence last week in the Gemini app, enabling the AI assistant to tailor answers by connecting across a user’s Google ecosystem, beginning with Gmail, Photos, Search, and YouTube history.
 
The opt-in capability is now rolling out to AI Mode for Google AI Pro and AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S., with support initially limited to English.
 
By expanding Personal Intelligence to both Gemini and AI Mode, Google is tapping into the vast amount of user data already within its ecosystem to offer experiences competitors may struggle to replicate. Because users already rely heavily on services like Gmail and Photos, Google says it can provide more context-aware responses—though the feature can be turned on or off at any time for users uncomfortable with deeper data access.
 
“With Personal Intelligence, recommendations don’t just match your interests — they fit seamlessly into your life,” Robby Stein, vice president of product for Google Search, wrote in a blog post. “You don’t have to constantly explain your preferences or existing plans. It selects recommendations just for you, right from the start.”
 
For example, when planning a family vacation, AI Mode can reference hotel bookings in Gmail and past travel photos in Google Photos to suggest a customized itinerary. Recommendations might include specific activities or restaurants—such as an old-fashioned ice cream parlor—based on patterns detected in a user’s photo library.
 
Google says AI Mode aims to go beyond generic lists, offering a personalized starting point for planning. The feature may also be useful for shopping, Stein noted, by factoring in past purchases and preferred retailers. If a user needs a coat for an upcoming trip, AI Mode could consider brand preferences alongside travel details from Gmail—such as a flight to Chicago in March—to suggest weather-appropriate options that match the user’s style.
 
Additional use cases include creating a personalized anniversary scavenger hunt or suggesting décor themes for a child’s bedroom.
 
Google emphasized that AI Mode does not directly train on a user’s Gmail inbox or Google Photos library. Instead, training is based on individual prompts and the AI’s generated responses.