Google to replace Gemini Gems with 'skills' on November 17, 2026

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.