Google is introducing separate controls for search history and personalised recommendations, replacing the older structure tied to Web & App Activity and Search Personalisation. According to multiple reports, the company is introducing two separate settings called 'Search Services History' and 'Personalised Recommendations', with the rollout beginning through email and in-app notifications and expected to continue over the next few weeks. This represents a significant shift as the tech giant continues integrating AI-powered experiences more deeply into Search and related services.
The new Search Services History setting determines whether Google can save user activity across services including Search, Maps, Shopping, Flights, Hotels, Translate, and News. This includes search queries, activity from websites connected to Google Search services, and responses generated through AI-powered features. Meanwhile, the Personalised Recommendations setting controls whether Google can use activity and preferences to customise recommendations and search results, giving users more direct control over how their activity is stored and how recommendations are tailored across Google's services. The updated structure separates activity tracking from recommendation-based personalisation, making it easier for users to decide exactly what information Google can save and how that information can influence recommendations.
Google is adding a new subsection called 'Saved Media' under Search Services History, which will allow Google to store media files such as images, audio, videos, and other files used during voice searches, Google Lens sessions, and Search Live interactions. Users will likely be able to turn Saved Media off independently without disabling the broader Search Services History setting, and Google will reportedly allow users to remove individual pieces of saved media from their activity history. According to reports, Google says the feature is meant to support more interactive AI and visual search experiences, helping users revisit previous Google Lens searches or continue earlier Search Live conversations without starting over.
Google has introduced Google Antigravity, an AI-powered development program that can build applications from prompts rather than traditional coding, now available in Google Search's AI Mode. The updates to Google AI Mode rolled out on May 19, 2025, with Google Antigravity allowing users to ask for interactive visuals, graphics, tables, graphs or simulations. As an example, Google Antigravity could create an interactive fitness tracker for health and wellness routines. Additionally, Google's Personal Intelligence is available in the newly updated AI Mode, allowing users to sync Google apps like Gmail, Photos, and soon Calendar for more personalized responses when using Search. Users can access AI Mode by clicking 'AI Mode' or the plus sign button within the search bar.
Google says current user preferences will automatically transfer to the new system, with if Web and App Activity or Search Personalisation were previously enabled, the corresponding new settings will remain enabled. Similarly, users who had these controls turned off will continue to remain opted out. Existing auto-delete preferences for activity history will also carry over automatically, as reported by multiple sources. This ensures users do not need to manually reconfigure their privacy preferences when the new settings become available.
According to reports, the new settings will begin appearing for users a few days after they receive the notification email, with the wider rollout expected to continue over the coming weeks. This represents a significant change in how Google manages user activity and personalisation across its various services, coming as the company continues integrating AI-powered experiences more deeply into Search and related services. By separating history storage from recommendation personalisation, Google appears to be responding to growing user demand for more transparent and granular privacy controls.
