The long-awaited launch of the new Siri with artificial intelligence now seems closer thanks to Apple's partnership with Google. The company has confirmed reports that many Siri features will be supported on Google's Gemini models.
See also: Apple will improve Gemini without Google branding on Siri
We already knew some of the features we can expect from AI Siri thanks to announcements at WWDC 2024 and a now-deleted iPhone 16 ad. The release of Personal Intelligence Gemini has now essentially offered a working preview.
Google recently released a beta version of what it calls Personal Intelligence. The main feature is Gemini's ability to use a complex mix of sources to generate answers, including personalized information pulled from various Google apps and services.
Personal Intelligence can retrieve specific details from text, photos, or videos in Google apps to personalize Gemini’s responses. This includes Google Workspace (Gmail, Calendar, Drive, etc.), Google Photos, your YouTube watch history, and various Google search services you’ve used (Search, Shopping, News, Maps, Google Flights, and Hotels).
Apple's version will pull information from Apple apps like Mail, Calendar, Photos, and Notes.
Google’s Gemini head Josh Woodwardprovided an example of how Personal Intelligence helped him. He needed new tires for his vehicle two weeks ago. While waiting in line at the store, he realized he didn’t know the tire size and asked Gemini.
See also: Gemini-Powered Siri: What new features can we expect?
While any chatbot can find tire specs, Gemini went a step further. It suggested different options: one for everyday driving and another for all-weather conditions, citing family trips to Oklahoma found on Google Photos. It then pulled up ratings and prices for each option.
When he got to the counter, he needed the license plate number. Rather than look it up or lose his place in line, he asked Gemini. It retrieved the seven-digit number from a photo in Photos and helped identify the specific version of the van by searching Gmail.
“Hallucinations” are one of the biggest risks with AI systems, and the risks increase if they draw conclusions from personal data. Google says the new feature lets users see exactly what assumptions it’s making and offers the ability to verify or correct them.
Users won’t have to guess where an answer came from. Gemini will cite or explain the information it used from linked sources. If it doesn’t, users can ask for more information. If an answer seems wrong, it can be corrected on the spot. Users will also have the option to request a new answer without personalization.
Google says users must opt in to use Personal Intelligence and decide which apps to include. App linking is off by default. Users choose to enable it, decide which apps to link, and can turn it off at any time.
See also: No, Google Gemini won't get data from your iPhone
Additionally, the company assures that user data never leaves the Google ecosystem. The Apple version will only access data within Apple apps and iCloud accounts.
