Google is killing off Gemini’s Gems in favor of ‘skills’
techcrunch ·
Google is discontinuing the Gemini 'Gems' feature, which allowed users to create custom AI assistants for specific tasks, in favor of a new system called 'skills.' This transition aims to align with industry trends as competitors like Meta launch all-in-one AI agents. Users will not need to take any action, as their existing Gems will be automatically migrated to the skills format by November 17, 2026. The original Gems feature, launched in 2024, enabled both pre-made and user-created assistants for purposes ranging from coding to career guidance. Despite this migration, critics argue that Google's approach remains less consumer-friendly than direct text-based chatbots used by rivals. The new interface requires users to type a forward slash to select a skill, a method deemed more suitable for engineers than general consumers. This strategic shift highlights ongoing challenges in Google's product naming and navigation consistency within its AI ecosystem.
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