Google is shutting down its custom Gemini assistants, Gems, and replacing them with a new skills system starting November 17, 2026. The company will automatically migrate user-created setups to the new format, which will be activated by typing a forward slash in task threads instead of chatting with standalone bots.
Google just added the ability to share custom Gems in the Gemini app. The workflow mirrors Google Drive, letting you set view or edit permissions on your customized bots so coworkers, friends, or family can use them directly.
Google just brought Gemini straight into Chrome's address bar, letting users query the AI by typing "@gemini" followed by their prompt. While it puts generative AI just a keystroke away for millions, it currently lacks page context, meaning it can't analyze or summarize the tab you're actively reading.
Google just launched "Gems" for Gemini alongside its upgraded Imagen 3 image generation model. Subscribers can now build custom AI personas with plain-text instructions, while getting noticeably crisper, photorealistic visuals. Gems and human image generation are rolling out first to Advanced, Business, and Enterprise tiers.
