Google is rolling out a set of updates to Gemini aimed at making the AI assistant feel more personalized while putting stronger privacy controls in users’ hands. The new features include chat personalization that allows Gemini to remember details from your past conversations (similar to ChatGPT's memory feature) and tailor its responses accordingly, a Temporary Chat mode for one-off interactions that won’t affect future recommendations (also similar to ChatGPT) and updated data settings that make it easier to manage what information is stored and how it’s used.
Together, these changes are designed to create a more relevant, proactive experience without sacrificing user choice over data and privacy.
Personalization based on past chats
A new Personal context setting allows Gemini to learn from your previous conversations to deliver more relevant and natural responses. With this feature enabled, the AI can use details from earlier chats, such as your hobbies, past projects, or favorite topics, to shape future suggestions without requiring you to restate them.
This personalization is turned on by default and is rolling out first to the 2.5 Pro model for consumer accounts in select countries, with expansion to the 2.5 Flash model and additional regions in the coming weeks.
Users can disable it at any time in the app’s settings.
Temporary Chat for one-off conversations
For those who want to interact with Gemini without affecting future recommendations, Temporary Chat offers a way to start single-use conversations.
These chats won’t appear in recent history or Gemini Apps Activity, and won’t be used to personalize the experience or train Google’s AI models. They’re stored for up to 72 hours to allow for responses and optional feedback.
The feature starts rolling out today and will reach all users in the coming weeks.
Updated data settings
Google is also renaming its “Gemini Apps Activity” setting to Keep Activity. When enabled, a sample of future uploads, such as files or photos, can be used to improve Google services and train AI models.
Users who prefer not to participate can turn the setting off or use Temporary Chats.
Additionally, a new control introduced earlier this month lets people decide whether audio, video, and screen shares from the mic button or Gemini Live can be used to improve Google services. This is off by default but can be switched on at any time.
Bottom line
These updates bring Gemini closer to Google’s goal of making it a more personal, proactive and powerful assistant by allowing the AI to adapt more naturally to each user’s preferences and communication style.
At the same time, the introduction of Temporary Chat and the revamped data settings give users greater transparency and control over what information is stored and how it’s used. The new tools are designed to support both approaches, striking a balance between personalization and user choice.
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