Key facts
- Google is replacing its Gemini "Gems" feature with "skills."
- The transition will occur on November 17, 2026.
- Users' existing Gems will be automatically migrated to the new "skills" format.
- Gems were launched in 2024 to allow users to teach AI specific tasks.
- Users will need to enter a forward slash "/" in a task thread to select a skill.
Google is discontinuing its Gemini "Gems" feature, which allowed users to build custom AI assistants for specific tasks, and will transition them to a new format called "skills." The change is scheduled to take effect on November 17, 2026, with existing Gems being automatically migrated. The company aims to streamline its AI offerings within the Gemini app, moving away from distinct branded features like Gems.
Gems, launched in 2024, were designed to enable users to train their AI to perform particular functions without repetitive instructions. Examples of pre-made Gems included a learning coach, a brainstorming assistant, and a career guide, while users could also create personalized assistants for needs like a running coach or nutritionist. These custom assistants were also shareable, a feature Google hoped would boost Gemini app's popularity.
The shift to "skills" is part of Google's broader strategy for its AI features, which has been criticized for frequently rebranding and repositioning functionalities. The new "skills" interface will require users to type a forward slash "/" within a task thread to select the desired skill, a method noted as being more favored by engineers than general consumers.