Welcome to the First Column IT Tech Blog

HomeBlog
Connecting Google Search to Gemini is Simple (But May Not be Advisable)

Connecting Google Search to Gemini is Simple (But May Not be Advisable)

April 4, 2025

Google has implemented Gemini, its latest AI model, into its free software strategy. Previously, it was only available to those on the Advanced plan, a $20/month service. The model can reference a user’s Search queries and other applications to personalize the user’s results, but is this a good thing, or even something you want in the first place?

Personalization and Its Additional Features

Since Gemini can now reference your account information, it can now offer you better results tailored specifically to you. Here are some of those results.

Gems
Gems are pre-made or customizable prompts (also known as artificially intelligent assistant programs). They can simplify certain tasks through automation, and all you have to do is provide the information or context.

App Integrations
Since Gemini is a Google product, it works well with other Google applications and can be used in tandem with them to either break down tasks or support the completion of a larger overarching project.

Boosted Personalization
Gemini can reference other Google applications, such as Search, to provide more context for its responses. In other words, it will look at your history and offer better responses based on what you’ve historically looked for.

Deep Research
When you give Gemini a question, it will process this inquiry through a reasoning model. Data is collected and collated into a report, which is far better than what your typical chatbot can produce.

Are You Comfortable Sharing This Information with AI?

Google already has loads of data at its disposal, but you’ll have to decide if Gemini’s conveniences are worth handing over even more of your own.

Before you even use Gemini, understand that you are providing your personal information to Google for training its AI, and you’re not getting compensated for it. Some might not think twice about this, but we want you to be aware of it.

Activate Personalization for Google Gemini

You can, of course, activate Gemini personalization if you so choose; just follow these steps:

  • Open Gemini
  • Select Personalization (Experimental) from the dropdown menu
  • Select Connect now to link your search history to Gemini

If you would like to start a conversation about integrating AI into your business, we can help. Give us a call today at (571) 470-5594 to learn more.

TAGS
AI
TAGS
Google
Previous Post
August 27, 2025
Microsoft SharePoint: What It Is (And What Your Business Can Do With It)
How much does your business value communication and data security? The answer to that should be “A lot.” Microsoft SharePoint, a web-based platform for storing, organizing, sharing, and accessing information, can help businesses that use Microsoft 365 work more effectively. Today, we’ll cover three of its best features and what your business can accomplish with them.
August 25, 2025
Stop Your Sprawling Software-as-a-Service Spend
I have two questions for you.
August 22, 2025
The IT Safety Lecture
The more IT you use, the more conscientious you have to be to ensure that an action you—or your staff—takes doesn’t unwittingly put your business at risk. Today, we’ll go through some ways for you to do your best to stay secure. Let’s get started.

Have a project in mind?

Start with our free consultation for VA, DC and MD companies. We will provide a detailed proposal and firm quote based on your specific IT support needs. All at a predictable monthly cost per seat.
Free Consultation - Sign Up Here