Google Gemini clones ChatGPT's memory and private chat features

Google is rolling out two new features for its Gemini AI assistant that are identical to existing features in OpenAI's ChatGPT.

Back in April, OpenAI announced a new personalization feature in ChatGPT called memories. Unlike the old saved memories feature, which can be viewed and deleted when required, the information stored in chat memories cannot be viewed or deleted selectively, and it changes over time as ChatGPT learns what is more helpful to remember. ChatGPT can reference the stored memories to provide personalized responses that are more relevant and useful.

Today, Google announced an identical feature for Gemini users. There is a new setting under 'Personal Context' that allows Gemini to learn from past chats over time. When this feature is enabled, Gemini will remember key details and preferences you've shared. For example, it will store information like your name, favorite color, or dietary preferences.

Here's how Gemini's Personal Context will work:

You've previously used Gemini to brainstorm ideas for a YouTube channel focused on Japanese culture. When you ask for “new content ideas based on my interests,” Gemini may suggest a video theme like "My First Time Trying..." where you film yourself trying a new Japanese food, a traditional craft (like origami or a tea ceremony), or even a new game from Japan.

This new Personal Context feature is rolling out to Gemini users over the coming weeks, starting today. Google mentioned that this new feature will work only with the Gemini 2.5 Pro model for now, but it will be expanded to Gemini 2.5 Flash in the future. It is important to note that this new feature is on by default, so users can turn it off by going to Settings in the Gemini app and selecting 'Personal Context,' then 'Your past chats with Gemini.'

Along with the Personal Context feature, Gemini is also copying another popular feature from ChatGPT. ChatGPT's Temporary Chat feature is now available in Gemini under the same name. When you want to ask private questions that Gemini should not store as part of its memory, you can use this new Temporary Chat feature, which is rolling out today and will expand to all users over the coming weeks.

Conversations that happen in Temporary Chats will not appear in Gemini Apps Activity, and Google will not be using them to train its AI models.