Gemini: Google Scraps 'Gems', Doubles Down on 'Skills'

Google has decided to clean house in Gemini, waving goodbye to its "Gems." These were small AI agents designed for specific tasks, like planning a trip or writing a post. Now, the focus shifts to a more "jack-of-all-trades" approach with "Skills."

Think of Gems as individual apps, each with one function. Google introduced them in December 2023, promising customizable AI agents. Now, less than a year later, they're already on their way out. Google introduced the "Gems" feature for Gemini in December 2023 to create personalized AI agents.

The main reason is competition, of course. While Google was playing with Gems, others, like Meta with Muse and Instinct, were launching "all-in-one" AI agents. It seems the market prefers one big brain, not many small specialists. Google's decision to discontinue "Gems" is a response to the rising popularity of "all-in-one" AI agents such as Meta Muse and Instinct.

Basically, Google realized nobody wants a thousand mini-AIs. It's better to have one AI capable of doing a bit of everything, which then learns new "abilities" (the Skills, as they call them). It's a move to stay competitive, even if it feels a little late. But hey, better late than never, right?

"Skills" are essentially capabilities integrated directly into Gemini. Instead of having a separate agent for each task, Gemini will learn to interact with external apps and services, like Gmail or Google Maps, directly from your prompts. Gemini's "Skills" will allow the AI to interact directly with external apps and services like Gmail and Google Maps.

Imagine asking Gemini to book a flight. Instead of activating a specific "Travel Gem," Gemini will use its "Skill" to access a booking service. Theoretically, this should make the experience smoother and less fragmented. Or so they promise, and we totally believe them, right?