Google is killing off Gemini’s Gems in favor of ‘skills’

Google's Gemini now requires a forward slash to activate custom AI functions, a change that adds an extra step for users.

Google is discontinuing its Gemini feature called 'Gems,' which allowed users to create custom AI assistants for specific tasks. The change will take effect on November 17, 2026. Google announced that all user-created Gems will be automatically migrated to a new format called 'skills.' These skills will be integrated into Gemini's broader AI capabilities and can be used across different tasks. Launched in 2024, Gems were designed to enable users to teach Gemini specific functions without repetitive instructions, offering examples like learning coaches or brainstorming partners. Users could also create and share their own custom assistants. The migration to 'skills' is intended to streamline Gemini's functionality and potentially enhance user engagement with the AI.

The transition from 'Gems' to 'skills' reflects a broader trend in AI development towards integrating specialized functionalities into more unified agentic frameworks. Google's move aims to consolidate and standardize how users interact with custom AI capabilities, moving away from distinct, branded features towards a more cohesive user experience. This strategic shift could simplify development and improve the overall performance and accessibility of personalized AI assistants within the Gemini ecosystem.

By migrating user-created Gems to skills, Google is attempting to leverage the existing user investment while aligning its AI offerings with emerging industry standards for AI agents. The introduction of a forward slash command for skill activation, however, may present a hurdle for casual users accustomed to more intuitive chatbot interactions. This UI choice could signal a prioritization of power-user functionality over broad consumer accessibility in the short term.