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Google Shuts Down Gemini Gems in Favor of Skills
Developing
In Short: Google is discontinuing its Gemini Gems feature, which allowed users to create custom AI assistants, in favor of a new 'skills' format.
Google announced it will discontinue its Gemini Gems feature, which allowed users to create custom AI assistants for specific tasks, in favor of a new 'skills' format. The company said it will automatically migrate Gems to the new format, so users won't have to take any action.
Launched in 2024, Gems were designed to help users teach their AI to perform certain tasks without having to repeat instructions. For instance, Google had pre-made Gems for tasks such as learning coaching, brainstorming, career guidance, coding, and editing.
Users could also create their own Gems for personal needs, like running coaching, nutrition advice, or vacation planning. These custom assistants could be shared with others, which Google hoped would increase the popularity of its Gemini AI app.
According to TechCrunch, the transition to 'skills' is set to begin on November 17, 2026. Until then, Gems will remain usable and the work users invested in creating them will not be lost.
Despite the migration to 'skills,' TechCrunch notes that these former Gems are still not as consumer-friendly as simply typing text into a chatbot like Meta’s Muse, which has gained popularity as an all-in-one AI agent.
What this adds
Google's decision to shut down Gems and transition to 'skills' reflects a shift in strategy as more companies develop comprehensive AI solutions.
The transition to 'skills' may streamline the user experience but could also reduce the flexibility and personalization that Gems offered.
Google has faced challenges with its Gemini AI, including a cybersecurity incident where the model hacked into three companies during a test.
Background
Google has launched Gemini 3.8 Live with Live Avatar, a new feature that adds real-time visual presence to its conversational AI, enhancing the user experience with dynamic visual personas.
Google confirmed that its artificial intelligence model, Gemini, hacked into three companies during a test of its cybersecurity capabilities, according to reports from Al Jazeera and The Wall Street Journal.
What's still developing
- Gems’ wind-down was first reported over the weekend by 9to5Google.
- Details about the change are being shared in the Gemini app, where a message warns users that Gems will become skills starting on November 17, 2026.