Latest news with #GeminiApps


Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Tom's Guide
You can stop Gemini from training on your data — here's how
Whether it's because you're regularly handling sensitive data or simply because you want more control over your own, there could be plenty of reasons why you would want to opt out of having Gemini train on your data. Chatbots are as helpful as they are because they've been trained specifically on loads of data, sometimes hundreds of gigabytes of it. This makes them able to deal with the wide variety of prompts you throw at them. While it's also helpful for companies creating these chatbots to understand how people are using their products, it raises questions for users about how much information they're willing to share. If you want to opt out, this is exactly what you need to do. Aside from your prompts and the replies Gemini produces, Google could be retaining data like the language you're using, the device with which you're accessing Gemini, where you're using Gemini from and any feedback you provided about your experience. While asking Gemini not to use your data for training gives you more control over your privacy, you may feel that your experience using the chatbot will be less personalized going forward. Your conversation history with Gemini will not be saved if activity is off. That means you won't be able to easily refer back to previous chats. Gemini's responses may also become more general as it won't be able to give you answers linked to anything relevant that came up in prior conversations, unless you specifically re-explain yourself. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. However, it's helpful to note that whether or not you opt out of having your data be used to train Gemini, Google saves your account's chats for up to 72 hours. The first step to opt out of Gemini's data gathering is to sign in to your account. You do so by visiting Gemini's page and then logging into your Google account by clicking the button to sign in. If you have multiple Google accounts or were already logged in, make sure you're changing the settings of the right account. But don't worry, the change in settings is reversible. Once you're in your account, you'll want to click on the activity tab represented by a clock and arrow icon. Gemini itself may also periodically remind you that your saved chats are being used to train the chatbot. In this case, clicking on manage activity leads you to the right place too. In your account's activity page, you'll find a history of the prompts you've used. At the top, you will also find the option to ask Gemini to stop remembering your conversations. To opt out of giving access to Google to any training data it can gather from your usage of Gemini, click turn off Gemini Apps activity once to access the drop down menu, and again to confirm the action. If you want to go a step further, you can also manually delete your past activity. In this case, you need to click on the tab turn off and delete activity. Remember that any chats that have already been reviewed by Gemini are not deleted even after you manually delete your activity. Google says this data is kept separate and is not connected to your Google Account. This data is retained for up to three years. If you've previously turned off Gemini apps activity, this change is reversible. To return to the default settings, simply click turn on. This means your chats will start being saved again and may also be used by Gemini for its training. Now you've learned how to stop Gemini from training on your data, why not take a look at our other useful AI articles? Check out you're not using ChatGPT right unless you ask these 4 questions and Google's AI Mode is changing how you search — here's how it works. And did you know Perplexity can help you plan your next trip? Here's how you can do it.


Techday NZ
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Techday NZ
Google adds photo-to-video tool to Gemini as Veo 3 rollout expands
Google has announced a significant update to its Gemini AI platform, introducing a new feature that allows users to transform their photos into dynamic eight-second video clips with sound. The tool, powered by Google's latest video generation model Veo 3, is now available to Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in over 150 countries, with the company highlighting rapid uptake and creative experimentation since the model's initial launch. David Sharon, Multimodal Generation Lead for Gemini Apps, said, "We launched our state-of-the-art video generation model Veo 3 in May - and last week, we expanded access to Google AI Pro subscribers in over 150 countries. Now, with a new photo-to-video capability in Gemini, you can now transform your favourite photos into dynamic eight-second video clips with sound." Describing the process, Sharon added, "To turn your photos into videos, select 'Videos' from the tool menu in the prompt box and upload a photo. Then, describe the scene and any audio instructions, and watch as your still image transforms into a dynamic video. You can get creative by animating everyday objects, bringing your drawings and paintings to life or adding movement to nature scenes. Once your video is complete, tap the share button or download it to share with friends and family." According to Google, the reception from users has been swift and enthusiastic. "The explosion of creativity from users has been truly remarkable, with over 40 million Veo 3 videos generated across the Gemini app and Flow over the last seven weeks. From reimagining fairy tales through the eyes of a modern influencer, to ASMR videos exploring what it would sound like to cut through a piece of cooling lava, your imagination is the limit when you create videos with Gemini," Sharon said. The new photo-to-video feature is being rolled out alongside broader access to Veo 3, Google's latest iteration in text-to-video artificial intelligence. Veo 3 is already recognised for its ability to produce high-definition video clips with synchronised sound and lifelike motion, generated entirely from user prompts. The model delivers results in eight-second clips, integrating both visuals and audio without the need for post-production editing. Google is positioning Veo 3 as both a creative and enterprise solution, with businesses able to access the technology through the Google Cloud Vertex AI platform. Creative professionals and app developers have begun using Veo 3 to accelerate workflows, generate marketing assets, and prototype video content in a fraction of the time previously required. The company also emphasises its commitment to responsible AI development and safety. "When you use our video generation tools, we want you to feel confident in the results. That's why we take significant steps behind the scenes to make sure video generation is an appropriate experience," Sharon explained. This includes what Google describes as "extensive 'red teaming,' in which we proactively test our systems and aim to fix potential issues before they arise," as well as "thorough evaluations to understand how our tools might be used and how to prevent any misuse." Safety measures extend to content labelling, as Sharon detailed: "All generated videos include a visible watermark to show they are AI-generated and an invisible SynthID digital watermark." Users are also encouraged to provide feedback on generated content, with Sharon stating, "Use the thumbs up and down buttons on your generated videos to give us feedback, which we'll use to make ongoing improvements to our safety measures and overall experience." Access to the new photo-to-video capability begins rolling out today for Google AI Pro and Ultra subscribers in select countries. The same functionality is also available in Flow, Google's AI filmmaking tool, with the company continuing to expand availability to additional regions. "Your imagination is the limit when you create videos with Gemini," said Sharon.


Indian Express
09-07-2025
- Indian Express
Google Gemini now reads WhatsApp chats unless you change this setting
Last week, a bunch of Android users received an email from Google saying that starting July 7, it is changing how Gemini interacts with some of the apps on their phone. In a vaguely worded email, the tech giant said that 'Gemini will soon be able to help you use Phone, Messages, WhatsApp and Utilities on your phone', even if you have turned off Gemini Apps activity on the device. On its website, Google says that 'Gemini apps give you direct access to Google AI' and that 'your chats are saved in your account for up to 72 hours, whether Gemini Apps activity is on or off.' This means that, irrespective of your preference, Google will be storing some of your personal data, which might include the contents of your WhatsApp chats. While the update does make Gemini more useful, since the AI chatbot can now read your WhatsApp messages and send replies on your behalf, some users who don't want it to get access to their personal chats might find it intrusive. If you are looking to disable Gemini Apps Activity for all connected apps, simply open Gemini on your Android phone, tap on the profile picture icon from the top right, and click on the option named 'Gemini Apps Activity.' This will open a new page, where you will see a toggle that lets you quickly turn off the feature. One thing to note here is that even after you turn off the feature, Google will store your data for up to 72 hours 'to maintain safety and security of Gemini apps'. In case you want to prevent Gemini from accessing a certain app's data, tap on your profile picture in the Gemini app and click on 'Apps'. Here, you will be able to choose which apps you want Gemini to be connected to. Alternatively, you can disable the Gemini app on your phone to stop the AI chatbot from tracking anything you do on your device.


Scottish Sun
25-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
‘Scary' Android change sparks fears as Google warns mystery AI will ‘control' WhatsApp and other apps even if it's OFF
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ANDROID users have been left puzzled and concerned after Google announced plans to ramp up how AI works with their smartphone apps. And there appears to be some confusion about how to turn it all off. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Google is integrating AI into more of its apps Credit: Google The tech giant has been increasingly pushing its new Gemini AI tools in face of competition from ChatGPT. Users have received an email informing them that Google has "made it easier for Gemini to interact with your device". "Gemini will soon be able to help you use Phone, Messages, WhatsApp and Utilities on your phone, whether your Gemini Apps Activity is on or off," the message reads. It goes on to say "if you don't want to use these features, you can turn them off in the Apps settings page" but doesn't explain specific steps or provide a link on how to do this. "If you have already turned these features off, they will remain off," they add. The vague wording has raised concerns online of Gemini "getting more control", one X user wrote. Another commented on a forum: "How scary is that? What could possibly go wrong? "I don't want anyone or anything interacting with my phone, unless your calling me or sending an email or text message." A third added: "Google is desperate to get us to use their AI before we get used to another one." Google's email states that the changes will start to appear from July 7.


The Irish Sun
25-06-2025
- The Irish Sun
‘Scary' Android change sparks fears as Google warns mystery AI will ‘control' WhatsApp and other apps even if it's OFF
ANDROID users have been left puzzled and concerned after Google announced plans to ramp up how AI works with their smartphone apps. And there appears to be some confusion about how to turn it all off. 1 Google is integrating AI into more of its apps Credit: Google The tech giant has been increasingly pushing its new Users have received an email informing them that Google has "made it easier for Gemini to interact with your device". "Gemini will soon be able to help you use Phone, Messages, WhatsApp and Utilities on your phone, whether your Gemini Apps Activity is on or off," the message reads. It goes on to say "if you don't want to use these features, you can turn them off in the Apps settings page" but doesn't explain specific steps or provide a link on how to do this. Read more about Android "If you have already turned these features off, they will remain off," they add. The vague wording has raised concerns online of Gemini "getting more control", one X user wrote. Another commented on a forum: "How scary is that? What could possibly go wrong? "I don't want anyone or anything interacting with my phone, unless your calling me or sending an email or text message." Most read in Tech A third added: "Google is desperate to get us to use their AI before we get used to another one." Google's email states that the changes will start to appear from July 7. WHAT CAN YOU USE GOOGLE GEMINI FOR? Here's the official tip list from Google... Go Live with Gemini to brainstorm ideas, simplify complex topics, and rehearse for important moments. Connect with your favourite Google apps like Search, Youtube, Google Maps, Gmail, and more Study smarter and explore any topic with interactive visuals and real-world examples Unlock a world of expertise and get tailored information about any topic Plan trips better and faster Create AI-generated images in seconds Get summaries, deep dives, and source links, all in one place Brainstorm new ideas, or improve existing ones Picture Credit: Google / The Sun