Google's Gemini Advanced gets a very useful ChatGPT feature – but how does it compare?

All of the major AI chatbots are updated regularly with new features to better compete in the saturated and always-evolving chatbot market. Many times, this means taking inspiration from each other, and Google just took a page out of ChatGPT’s book with this latest feature. 

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On Tuesday, Google shared via an X post that Gemini will now be able to remember a user’s interests and preferences, which can then be used to better inform the AI’s answers. The feature begins rolling out today, but there’s a catch — it’s only available to Gemini Advanced users. 

Like ChatGPT’s Memory, users will have full control over the information stored and be able to edit, view, and delete any information shared in a conversation. The major difference, however, is that Gemini’s version requires users to manually tell it to remember something, unlike ChatGPT’s, which automatically remembers important tidbits when the feature is turned on. 

For example, in Gemini, if you want the AI to remember the breed of your dog, you would have to say something like, “Remember, my dog is a four-year-old Yorkie.” However, with ChatGPT, you would mention it in passing, and it would save it for the next time. In both cases, it would save you time in the long run because the next time you refer to your dog in a prompt, such as when asking for a dog food recommendation, it would tailor its response to your specific needs.  

Some users may prefer Gemini’s approach since it offers more control over what gets saved. However, in ChatGPT, the Memory feature can be turned off entirely and edited, and perhaps the greatest advantage is that it is free. By contrast, the Google One AI Premium Plan subscription is required to access Gemini Advanced, and the “save info” feature is $20 per month.

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Other plan perks include access to Gemini for Workspace, which infuses Google’s AI assistance throughout its productivity apps, including Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Meet; 2TB of storage; Google Photos editing features; and more. If you want to try it for yourself but aren’t sure you want to take the plunge, Google offers users a two-month free trial. To get started, you can visit this page, explore the options, and sign up.