Google has announced the discontinuation of the Gems feature within its Gemini AI platform. This tool, which allowed users to create custom AI assistants for specific tasks, will be phased out as a standalone feature. The company plans to transition all existing Gems content into a new format called skills.
The migration process is scheduled to be completed by November 17, 2026. Google will handle the conversion automatically, meaning users do not need to perform any manual actions to preserve their custom assistants. Until this deadline, the current Gems functionality remains fully operational for all users.
Gems were originally launched in 2024 to help users train AI for recurring tasks without needing to repeat prompts. Pre-built examples included coding partners, career advisors, and writing assistants. Users could also create custom versions, such as fitness coaches or travel planners, and share them with others.
Following the update, users will access these tools by typing a forward slash symbol in their chat threads. This interaction method replaces the previous dedicated interface. The change aligns with Google's broader strategy of consolidating features into new modules, despite ongoing criticism regarding the company's product naming and navigation policies.
