With the increasing popularity of general-purpose AI agents such as Meta’s Muse✴ Like Instinct, Google announced that it will shut down the Gem feature in Gemini, which allows users to create their own AI assistants to perform specific tasks. The AI bots created by Gem’s users will not go to waste: the tools will automatically be converted into “skills” that can be used to solve various AI problems.
Image source: Google
Details of the change are communicated directly in the Gemini app: users are warned that from November 17, 2026, Gems will be transformed into “skills”. The company handles the process of transferring the material to the new format, so users don’t need to take any action to switch. Until then, Gem functionality will remain unchanged.
Gem’s AI robot feature, launching in 2024, is designed to help users train artificial intelligence to perform specific tasks without having to repeat instructions every time. For example, Google’s ready-made options include study mentors, brainstorming assistants, career coaches, coding assistants, and copy editors. Users can also create their own versions of Gem AI robots. For example, you could build an AI running coach, nutritionist, or vacation planner. These assistants can be shared with others. Google hopes this move will increase the popularity of the Gemini app.
As the TechCrunch portal points out, despite the change in format, “skills” are still not as convenient for the average user as simply typing a text query into a chatbot (Meta implementation).✴ For the muse.
To select the required “skill” in a task discussion thread, you must enter a forward slash (“/”) – this interface is usually preferred by engineers rather than regular users.
If you find an error, select it with your mouse and press CTRL+ENTER.