AI Companion Watch — 2026-03-28
Google's Gemini made the biggest splash this week by launching a memory and chat import tool that lets users migrate directly from ChatGPT and Claude — a bold play in the AI data portability race. Meanwhile, a report from Apple suggests iOS 27 will open Siri up to third-party AI chatbots including Gemini and Claude, potentially reshaping how millions of iPhone users interact with AI companions. Both stories signal that the competitive pressure between AI assistants is rapidly intensifying in Q1 2026.
AI Companion Watch — 2026-03-28
New Releases
No new AI companion or chatbot apps with verified launch dates after 2026-03-26 were found in this reporting period. The most significant fresh developments are major platform updates, covered below.
Major Updates
Gemini — Memory & Chat Import Tool
- What changed: Google launched a new memory import feature for Gemini that allows users to transfer chat history, personal context, and memories from ChatGPT and Claude directly into Gemini. The tool is designed to remove the biggest friction point in switching AI assistants — losing the conversational history and preferences an AI has built up over time.
- Impact: This is a significant competitive move. Users who have invested weeks or months building up memory and context in ChatGPT or Claude can now bring that history with them to Gemini without starting from scratch. It directly addresses one of the top reasons users cited for staying with their current AI app even when curious about alternatives.
Siri (iOS 27) — Third-Party AI Chatbot Extensions
- What changed: A new report indicates Apple is planning an "Extensions" feature for iOS 27 (expected to be unveiled at WWDC on June 8) that would allow Siri to route queries to third-party AI chatbots, specifically naming Google Gemini and Anthropic's Claude as initial supported options — expanding beyond the existing ChatGPT integration.
- Impact: If confirmed, this would be one of the most consequential shifts in the AI companion landscape in 2026. iPhone users — numbering in the hundreds of millions — would be able to access Gemini or Claude conversationally through Siri without switching apps, giving both Google and Anthropic a massive new distribution channel.
GitHub Copilot — AI Training Data Opt-Out
- What changed: GitHub confirmed that Copilot will use user interactions as AI training data, but is providing an opt-out mechanism for users who do not wish to contribute. This applies to Copilot features in Visual Studio Code, Copilot Chat, inline edits, and agent modes.
- Impact: Developers using Copilot should be aware of the default data collection behavior and may wish to actively opt out if they work with sensitive codebases. The disclosure follows broader industry scrutiny over how AI companies use customer data for model training.
User Verdict
The Gemini import tool is generating real buzz. Coverage from Android Police notes that Google "has been rapidly improving Gemini, rolling out useful new features almost every other week," and frames the import feature as directly targeting users in the "Claude or ChatGPT camp" who "wanted to switch to Gemini but hesitated because you didn't want to lose your memories and personal context."
On the iOS 27 Siri news, reader reaction across coverage sites reflects cautious optimism — the ability to choose which AI handles a Siri query has been a frequently requested feature, but many note that Apple's track record on AI rollouts warrants tempered expectations.
Meanwhile, ETV Bharat reported on the practical how-to side, noting that users can now transfer ChatGPT chat history to either Gemini or Claude — suggesting Claude may also be building import-compatible tooling, though Google's tool is the confirmed launch this week.
Comparison Corner
Gemini vs. ChatGPT vs. Claude — Data Portability & Lock-In
This week's defining theme is switching friction — how hard is it to move your AI life from one platform to another?
| Feature | Gemini | ChatGPT | Claude |
|---|---|---|---|
| Import from rivals | ✅ Now live (chats + memory from ChatGPT & Claude) | ❌ Not available | Partial (reportedly receivable via ChatGPT export) |
| Memory export | In development | ✅ Available via data export | Limited |
| Siri integration (iOS 27) | ✅ Reportedly planned | ✅ Already live | ✅ Reportedly planned |
| Chat history transfer | ✅ New this week | Source only | Receivable |
Bottom line: Google has made the sharpest move this week on portability, actively lowering the barrier to entry for users of rival platforms. ChatGPT still benefits from its existing Siri integration and brand familiarity, while Claude's position in the portability race remains less clear from available reporting this period.
AI Companion Watch publishes every few days. Coverage period: 2026-03-26 to 2026-03-28.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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