Google says it will migrate Gems, which let users create custom versions of Gemini, to "skills", starting Nov. 17; Google introduced skills with Gemini Spark

Custom Gemini instructions are now easier to activate and use simultaneously.

Google announced that its custom Gemini creations, previously known as Gems, will be transitioned to a feature called "skills" starting November 17, 2026. Users will have until this date to access their existing Gems. The company introduced skills alongside Gemini Spark, and they function similarly by allowing users to provide custom instructions to Gemini. Gems offered the ability to set default tools, like image creation or Canvas, and to share custom versions with others. Skills, however, are more directly accessible via a "/" command in the prompt box and can reportedly be used concurrently. This change aims to streamline the invocation and usage of custom AI configurations within the Gemini interface.

The migration from Gems to skills signifies Google's effort to unify and simplify user-defined AI interactions within its Gemini ecosystem. By making custom instructions more accessible through a slash command and enabling their concurrent use, Google is likely aiming to boost engagement with its advanced AI features. This move could encourage more users to develop and deploy personalized AI agents for specific tasks, potentially increasing the perceived value of Gemini subscriptions.

This transition also suggests a broader industry trend towards more integrated and readily available AI customization. As AI models become more capable, platforms that can offer seamless ways for users to tailor these capabilities will likely gain a competitive edge. The enhanced usability of skills may influence how competitors design their own customizable AI interfaces and user experiences moving forward.