Gemini gets memory: No more repeating yourself to AI

Google is adding a number of new features to its AI chatbot Gemini, collectively called "Personal intelligence." The purpose is simple: Today, many users have to repeat the same information every time they start a new conversation with an AI, for example what car model they have, or how they prefer answers to be worded. The new features are meant to change that.

With the "Memories" feature, Gemini can remember details from previous conversations and use them in later answers. Google itself mentions examples such as suggesting a birthday theme based on an earlier chat about a favorite character, or recommending a book based on something you have talked about before.

There is also an import feature, so you can transfer your settings and preferences from other AI services such as ChatGPT and Claude to Gemini, either by pasting a short summary or by uploading a file with your chat history. That way, you don't have to start completely from scratch if you switch to Google's AI.

Who can use it, and what about privacy

The features are not available to users under 18 or to work and school accounts. They are rolling out gradually in different countries; the UK, for example, just got access, while a more far-reaching version that can also draw on data from Gmail and Google Photos is for now only being tested in the US.

Memory is turned on by default, but can be turned off under the "Personal context" setting in the Gemini app. You can also choose how long Gemini may store your activity, from 3 months up to 36 months, or delete it all manually right away.

For regular users, this means in practice that you will hopefully no longer have to type the same background information into the chat every time, but it requires being comfortable with Google storing and using more information about you.

What it means for you

If you use Gemini regularly, you no longer have to repeat your preferences and background information every time. If you switch from ChatGPT or Claude, you can transfer your history so you don't start over. Check under Personal context, where you can turn memory off or decide how long Google may store your data. If you are under 18 or use a work or school account, you don't have access to the features yet.