GoKawiilGoogle retires Gemini Gems, converts them to 'skills' by November 2026
Google is shutting down Gems, the Gemini feature that let users build custom AI assistants for specific tasks, and will automatically migrate them into a new format called 'skills.' The Gemini app is notifying users that existing Gems will keep working until the November 17, 2026 transition, after which they'll be accessible as skills usable across different AI tasks without requiring manual setup.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The shift suggests Google is trying to simplify its sprawling lineup of separately branded Gemini features as rivals like Meta push more unified, all-in-one AI agents such as Muse and Instinct. It also continues a pattern the source notes in Google's product history of launching distinct branded tools and later folding them together, which could create user confusion during transitions. Notably, using skills still requires typing a forward slash to select them, a friction point that may keep Gemini less immediately intuitive than simple chatbot interfaces.
- Gemini's Gems feature will be discontinued and converted into 'skills' by November 17, 2026.
- Users don't need to take action; Google will handle the migration automatically, and Gems remain usable until then.
- Selecting a skill requires typing '/' in a task thread, a more complex interface than typing plain text prompts.
Source: techcrunch.com — Sarah Perez, 2026-09-28
Published there as: “Google is killing off Gemini’s Gems in favor of ‘skills’”
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