Published on Aug 15, 2025 | By Aditya Kumar Singh | X | Linkedin
Last Updated | Aug 15 | 12:44 PM(IST)
Google has started rolling out major updates to the Gemini app that promise to make it more personal, proactive, and powerful. These new features focus on personalization and privacy, bringing ChatGPT-like memory capabilitiesalongside a brand-new Temporary Chats mode for confidential conversations.
The update is being released in phases and will reach all users in the coming weeks. Initially, Personalized Conversations will be available when using the Gemini 2.5 Pro model in select countries. Google says the feature will soon expand to the 2.5 Flash model and more regions worldwide.
1. Personal Context – Gemini’s Memory Feature
One of the biggest highlights of this update is Personal Context, a setting that allows the Gemini app to remember key details from your past conversations. This includes your interests, preferences, and recurring topics you’ve discussed with the AI assistant.
By leveraging this memory-like system, Gemini can deliver more natural and context-aware responses. Instead of treating every prompt as an isolated query, it can build on your previous interactions, giving you smarter and more relevant suggestions.
For example:
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If you previously discussed the evolution of characters’ powers in your favorite comic book, Gemini might suggest a birthday party theme based on that character—complete with themed food ideas and custom photo booth props.
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If you’ve brainstormed YouTube content ideas focused on Japanese culture, Gemini could recommend a “My First Time Trying…” series featuring Japanese food, crafts like origami, or traditional tea ceremonies.
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If you often ask for non-fiction book recommendations from BookTok, Gemini could suggest similar titles and even provide popular quotes for your social media posts.
This Personal Context feature is enabled by default but remains fully under your control. You can manage or disable it anytime by going to Settings → Personal Context → Your Past Chats with Gemini. You also have the option to delete individual or all past chats via the Gemini Apps Activity page.
2. Temporary Chats – Your Privacy, Your Rules
While Personal Context helps Gemini remember details for better conversations, there are times when you might want to keep a conversation completely off the record. That’s where Temporary Chats come in.
Temporary Chats allow you to have private, one-off conversations that:
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Do not appear in your Recent Chats.
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Are not saved in Gemini Apps Activity.
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Aren’t used to train Google’s AI models or personalize your future interactions.
These chats are kept only for up to 72 hours—just long enough to respond to your request and process any optional feedback you choose to provide.
This is ideal for:
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Asking private or sensitive questions.
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Exploring topics outside your usual interests.
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Brainstorming without influencing your main Gemini suggestions.
It’s essentially Gemini’s equivalent of Incognito Mode—perfect for moments when you want complete privacy without losing functionality.
3. New Privacy Controls for More Data Transparency
In addition to these headline features, Google is introducing more ways for you to control your data:
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Gemini Apps Activity will be renamed Keep Activity. When turned on, a sample of your future uploads—such as files or photos—may be used to help improve Google services for everyone.
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If you prefer not to share this data, you can turn off Keep Activity or use Temporary Chats instead.
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A separate privacy control now lets you decide whether audio, video, or screen shares via the mic button or Gemini Live can be used to improve Google services. This setting is off by default, but you can enable it at any time.
All privacy options can be managed through the Gemini Apps Privacy Hub, giving you transparency and control over how your data is handled.
Why This Update Matters
With these updates, Google is clearly positioning Gemini as a next-generation AI assistant that’s not only smart but also user-first in privacy and customization.
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Personal Context makes Gemini feel more like a real assistant that knows your style and preferences, making conversations faster, more relevant, and more engaging.
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Temporary Chats ensure you have a safe space for private queries, brainstorming sessions, or sensitive questions—without worrying about your data being stored or used for personalization.
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New privacy controls give you the freedom to choose how much information you share, aligning with Google’s goal of earning trust through transparency.
The Gemini app update is a big step toward bridging the gap between personalization and privacy in AI assistants. Whether you want a chatbot that remembers your favorite topics or one that can go “incognito” when needed, Gemini now offers the best of both worlds.
As these features roll out to Gemini 2.5 Pro and Flash models across more countries, Google’s AI assistant is shaping up to be a serious competitor to ChatGPT and other AI platforms—with personalization, privacy, and proactive assistance at its core.
1. Is the “Temporary Chats” feature available for all account types, including work or school accounts ?
No—Temporary Chats require a signed-in personal Google Account and are not supported for work or school accounts, Gemini via Chrome, or in Google Messages. These one-off chats are tailored for personal use privacy and aren’t available in enterprise or managed environments.
2. How do I initiate a Temporary Chat within the Gemini app ?
You can access the Temporary Chat feature by selecting the chat bubble next to the “New chat” button in the Gemini app interface. This opens a private, ephemeral session that won’t be added to your history or influence future responses.
3. When will “Keep Activity” apply to the content I upload ?
The renamed Keep Activity setting—formerly called Gemini Apps Activity—affects content uploaded from September 2, 2025 onward. If enabled, a sample of your future uploads (such as photos or files) may be used to enhance Google services. If disabled, your uploads won’t be used for model improvements.
4. Does the new “Personal Context” memory feature replace the older “Saved Info” setting ?
Yes—the Personal Context feature effectively supersedes the previous Saved Info functionality by automatically recalling preferences and details without needing explicit prompts. Saved Info remains accessible for now, but Personal Context does the remembering seamlessly.
5. Are the new personalization and privacy features rolling out immediately worldwide ?
These updates are gradually rolling out. Initially, they’re available on the Gemini 2.5 Pro model in select countries, with plans to expand to the 2.5 Flash model and more regions in the weeks ahead.
