AI
Google phases out Gemini Gems, replacing them with a less intuitive 'skills' system
Google is shutting down its Gemini Gems feature and migrating users' custom assistants to a new format called skills, in what critics say reflects the company's broader struggle with feature organization and naming.
TechCrunch — AI
Google is discontinuing Gemini Gems, the feature that let users build personalized AI assistants, and replacing it with a new offering called skills. The transition will happen on November 17, 2026, with automatic migration of all existing Gems to the new format.
What's happening#
Users will soon see messages within the Gemini app warning that Gems are being converted to skills, but they won't need to take any action. Google will handle the technical conversion automatically, and Gems will remain functional until the cutoff date.
The shift to skills#
The new skills-based system works differently from Gems. Rather than launching a dedicated custom assistant, users will now need to type a forward slash "/" within a task thread to access and select the skill they want. This interface design, while familiar to engineers, may feel less straightforward to typical consumers compared to dedicated assistant apps.
Why this matters#
The pivot reflects pressure from rival AI platforms gaining traction. Competitors like Meta's Muse and Instinct are positioning themselves as comprehensive all-in-one AI agents, prompting Google to consolidate its feature set. However, the move also highlights a persistent weakness in Google's product strategy: creating separate brands and navigation slots for AI features, then reshuffling them over time. The company has historically struggled with fragmentation across messaging, communication, and now AI tools.
Gems, which debuted in 2024, were designed to let users teach AI how to handle recurring tasks without repeating instructions each time. Pre-built options included a learning coach, brainstorming partner, career advisor, and coding assistant, while users could create custom versions like running coaches or vacation planners. Google had hoped the ability to share these assistants would boost adoption of its Gemini app, but the new skills format remains less consumer-friendly than simply typing into a chatbot.
