Google adds limited chat personalization to Gemini, trails Anthropic and Open AI in memory features

Google is making strides to enhance its Gemini app by introducing new personalization options, aiming to catch up with competitors like Anthropic and OpenAI. These enhancements focus on giving users greater control over data and customization, which is particularly crucial for both individual and corporate users who rely on chatbots for ongoing projects. The latest update, which is being gradually rolled out to Gemini 2.5 Pro in select regions, includes a default setting called "Personal Context." This feature allows the app to learn from previous conversations, enabling it to offer more relevant and tailored responses. However, unlike its rivals, Google has opted for a more cautious approach, not allowing users to edit or delete their preferences. Michael Siliski, the senior director of Product Management for Gemini, emphasized that the goal is to create an AI assistant that genuinely understands users rather than merely responding to queries. Currently, Gemini retains chat histories for up to 72 hours when the save activity option is disabled and can automatically delete older activities in intervals of three, 18, or 36 months. Among other upcoming features, Google is set to introduce "Temporary Chat," which allows users to engage in one-off conversations that will not affect future interactions or contribute to personalization efforts. This feature mirrors one introduced by ChatGPT last year. Additionally, Google is implementing new data controls, which will enable users to opt out of having their data used for future model training. This move comes a year after major competitors rolled out similar functionalities. For instance, ChatGPT launched temporary chat and memory features in 2024, while Anthropic has been enhancing its Claude model with customizable interaction styles. The race for memory and personalization capabilities in AI chat platforms continues, as users increasingly expect these tools to intuitively understand their needs and brand identity.