Google Labs has introduced a new experimental app called Dreambeans, an AI-powered service that creates personalized stories and recommendations using information from a user’s Google accounts.
Available on iOS and Android, the app is currently limited to eligible U.S.-based Google AI Ultra subscribers, though Google has opened a waitlist for users with personal Google accounts.
How Dreambeans works
According to Gozde Oznur, the product lead behind the app, Dreambeans draws on data from various Google services to create a limited set of AI-generated stories each day.
With user permission, the app can access information from:
- Gmail
- Calendar
- Photos
- YouTube
- Search History
Google said the app uses its Personal Intelligence system to process this information and curate stories intended to inspire new ideas.
What users can expect
The app generates between 10 and 14 stories a day.
These may include:
- Places to visit
- Topics to explore
- Activities to try
- Upcoming trips
- Events and reminders
- News articles aligned with past interests
For example, if a user has added a new pet to their calendar, Dreambeans could provide tips and information related to caring for a puppy.
It could also recommend nearby businesses, such as coffee shops, based on a user’s preferences and location.
Designed to limit endless scrolling
Oznur said the app was created partly as an antidote to excessive scrolling on smartphones.
Instead of offering an endless feed, Dreambeans presents a fixed number of stories each day.
The goal, she said, is to provide inspiration and encourage users to spend more time away from their screens.
Privacy controls
Google said users remain in control of the information shared with Dreambeans.
According to Oznur:
- Only the user can access the stories generated by the app.
- Users can delete their data at any time.
- Individual Google services can be connected or disconnected.
Why the app is called Dreambeans
Oznur said the name reflects the way the app processes information overnight.
“The dream part is literal, because while you sleep, the app is working through everything across your connected apps,” she told TechCrunch.
She said the “beans” reference comes from the idea of starting the day with a cup of coffee, with the app delivering “a concentrated drop of inspiration” each morning.
Availability
Dreambeans is currently available only to eligible users in the United States with a Google AI Ultra subscription on Android and iOS.
A waitlist has also been opened for users with personal Google accounts.
TL;DR
Google Labs has launched Dreambeans, an experimental AI app that creates personalized stories using data from Gmail, Calendar, Photos, YouTube and Search History. The app currently offers 10 to 14 AI-generated recommendations daily to eligible U.S. Google AI Ultra subscribers.
AI summary
- Google Labs has unveiled the Dreambeans AI app.
- The app generates personalized stories using data from Google services.
- Users receive 10 to 14 AI-created recommendations each day.
- Google says users control what information is shared.
- Dreambeans is currently available to eligible U.S. Google AI Ultra subscribers.
