Google to Replace Gemini's 'Gems' Feature with New 'Skills'
Google is phasing out the Gemini AI feature known as “Gems,” which allowed users to create custom task-specific assistants. Instead, Gems will be automatically converted into a new format called “skills” starting on November 17, 2026. The transition aims to streamline user experience by integrating these functions across different tasks without requiring manual action from users. Launched in 2024, Gems were designed to help Gemini AI perform specific roles like career guidance or coding assistance and could be shared among users. However, the shift reflects a broader trend of companies refining their AI offerings as competition intensifies — with Meta’s Muse being one example that offers more intuitive chatbot-style interaction. The change highlights Google's tendency to rebrand features over time, which has been criticized for confusing consumers. Despite this transition, user experience remains less consumer-friendly compared to other platforms due to the need to use a forward slash command in task threads.
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Topics: AI Google Gemini Meta Muse product updates