Google has launched a notable update to its Gemini AI chatbot, equipping it with the ability to remember details from previous conversations, a development experts are calling a major advancement.
In a blog post released on Thursday, Google detailed how this new capability allows Gemini to store information from earlier chats, provide summaries of past discussions, and craft responses tailored to what it has learned over time.
This upgrade eliminates the need for users to restate information they’ve already provided or sift through old messages to retrieve details. By drawing on prior interactions, Gemini can now deliver answers that are more relevant, cohesive, and enriched with additional context pulled from its memory. This results in smoother, more personalized exchanges that feel less fragmented and more like a continuous dialogue.
Rollout Plans and Broader Access
The memory feature is first being introduced to English-speaking users subscribed to Google One AI Premium, a $20 monthly plan offering enhanced AI tools. Google plans to extend this functionality to more languages in the near future and will soon bring it to business users via Google Workspace Business and Enterprise plans.
Tackling Privacy and User Control
While the ability to recall conversations offers convenience, it may raise eyebrows among those concerned about data privacy. To address this, Google has built in several options for users to oversee their chat data. Through the “My Activity” section in Gemini, individuals can view their stored conversations, remove specific entries, or decide how long data is kept. For those who prefer not to use the feature at all, it can be fully turned off, giving users complete authority over what the AI retains.
Google has also made it clear that it won’t use these stored chats to refine its AI models, putting to rest worries about data being repurposed.
The Race to Enhance AI Memory
Google isn’t alone in its efforts to boost chatbot memory. OpenAI’s Sam Altman has highlighted that better recall is a top demand from ChatGPT users. Over the last year, both companies have rolled out features letting their AIs remember things like a user’s favorite travel options, food preferences, or even their preferred tone of address. Until now, though, these memory tools have been fairly limited and didn’t automatically preserve entire conversation histories.
Gemini’s new recall ability marks a leap toward more fluid and insightful AI exchanges. By keeping track of past talks, it lets users pick up where they left off without losing the thread, proving especially handy for long-term tasks or recurring questions.
As this feature spreads to more users, Google underscores its commitment to transparency and control, ensuring people can easily manage, erase, or opt out of data retention altogether.