Agents/shipped/2026-09-30

Google Gemini Replaces Gems with New Skills Feature

Google is rolling out a new "Skills" feature for its Gemini AI assistant, replacing the previous "Gems" functionality. This update introduces capabilities similar to plugins or extensions found in other large language models like ChatGPT and Claude, allowing Gemini to interact with various Google services. The change is confirmed by Google and reported across multiple tech outlets.

3 articles from 3 outlets covered this story. Their coverage differs on 1 point. The underlying claim is sourced from a shipped.

What do all outlets agree on?

3 outlets covered “Google Gemini Replaces Gems with New Skills Feature”. All of them report the following:

  • Google is replacing Gemini Gems with Skills
  • Skills are a new feature for the Gemini AI assistant
  • Skills are similar to plugins/extensions in other AI chatbots
  • The change is rolling out to users
  • Gems are being retired

Did outlets disagree about this?

Yes. Coverage of “Google Gemini Replaces Gems with New Skills Feature” differs on 1 point. Each account below is how a different outlet described the same event:

The significance of the feature update

MakeUseOf frames it as Gemini "finally caught up" to a constantly used feature in Claude and ChatGPT, highlighting its utility and competitive aspect. Android Authority and Online Tech Tips present it more as a straightforward product update and how-to guide.

Which outlets covered this?

All 3 articles found on this story, grouped by the stance of the piece. Every link goes to the original publisher.

What related stories are there?

Which companies does this involve?

Get the week in AI in one email

What happened, which outlets reported it, and where their coverage differed. One issue a week.

The first issue hasn’t gone out yet. Subscribe and it’s the one you’ll get.

We’ll send the digest and nothing else. One-click unsubscribe. Privacy.