Google will shut down the “Gems” feature in the Gemini app, which allows users to create custom AI assistants for specific tasks, and replace it with a “skills” system. The change will begin on November 17, 2026. The company said it will automatically transfer Gems created by users to the new format and that they will not need to take any action for the transition. Gems will remain available until that date.
Introduced in 2024, Gems allowed users to teach AI to perform specific tasks without having to repeat the instructions each time. Google’s ready-made options included a learning coach, brainstorming assistant, career guide, coding partner and editor. Users could also create Gems tailored to their own needs, such as a running coach, nutritionist or vacation planner, and share them with others.
To use the converted “skills” features, users will need to enter the “/” symbol in a task sequence and select the skill they want. This method of use was described as being less consumer-oriented than directly typing text into chatbots such as Meta’s Muse. The news that Gems would be discontinued was first reported by 9to5Google over the weekend. The change was announced at a time when general-purpose AI agents such as Meta’s Muse and Instinct were gaining prominence.
Background
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