Combining searched places with schedules
Google on Oct. 22 (Oct. 23 Japan time) enabled the app of its conversational AI "Gemini" to draw on places searched for and saved in Google Maps. Combining them with events in Google Calendar, it suggests places such as shops users can stop by to fit their movements during the day. Gemini's official account, @GeminiApp, announced the feature.
For example, someone who saves shops of interest in Maps and manages work appointments in Calendar can narrow the options to shops they can visit between appointments. Suggestions draw not only on publicly available business information but also on places the user has searched for or saved. Google calls features that tailor answers using a user's personal data "Personal Intelligence" and launched it in Japan in April. On Oct. 20, it also extended the feature to Android Auto, which displays on car screens.
Users choose whether to connect
Users choose for themselves whether to connect Maps and Calendar, and the connection is off by default. It can also be turned off later. To use it, settings such as keeping a record of activity in Gemini must be turned on. It is available to personal accounts of users 18 and older and cannot be used with work, school or managed accounts. The rollout is gradual, and Google has not said when it will become available in Japan.
No accuracy figures
Google cautions that using personal data can lead to inaccurate answers or "over-personalization," in which unrelated topics are linked. It has not released figures showing how accurate the suggestions are. If the setting to keep an activity record is on, summaries and other material used for answers may be used to improve the models, and some of the connected data may be subject to human review.
