Google is shutting down its Gemini feature known as Gems. Gems allowed users to build custom AI assistants for specific tasks. The company announced the change as all-in-one AI agents like Meta’s Muse and Instinct take off. Users will see their work automatically migrated to skills that can be used across different AI tasks.
Details about the change are being shared in the Gemini app. A message warns users that Gems will become skills starting on November 17, 2026. Google stated it will migrate the Gems to the new format automatically. Users will not have to do anything to make the transition. The Gems themselves will remain usable until November 17.
Gems launched in 2024 to customize AI tasks
Gems launched in 2024 to help users teach their AI to perform certain tasks without repeating instructions. Premade Google Gems included a learning coach, a brainstorming assistant, a career guide, a coding partner, and an editor. Users also built personal Gems for needs like a running coach, nutritionist, or vacation planner. Google hoped sharing these custom assistants would help make its Gemini AI app more popular.
The news of Gems winding down was first reported over the weekend by 9to5Google. The shift highlights a recurring strategy issue at Google. The company has a history of giving new AI features brand names, icons, and prominent app placements before shuffling them into other features. Google previously operated multiple different messaging and communication apps at the same time.
Users must enter a forward slash to use skills
The former Gems still require a specific user interface to operate as skills. Google notes that users must enter a forward slash in a task thread to select the desired skill. This method resembles tools that engineers prefer rather than standard chatbot text input like Meta’s Muse.
Users do not need to take any action before the transition date. Google handles the migration process automatically. The feature remains active until the November deadline arrives.
