Google Rolls Out "Skills" in Gemini, Limits Models for Free Users

Google has begun rolling out a new feature called "Skills" for its AI assistant Gemini, expanding the range of tasks the system can perform for users.

The update effectively replaces "Gems", an earlier Gemini feature that let users build their own customised AI helpers for specific purposes.

While Skills is being introduced, many users are now asking when support for Gems will officially end, as Google has not yet confirmed a retirement date for the feature.

In a separate but related change, Google has also imposed new restrictions on which AI models different categories of Gemini users are allowed to use.

An AI model refers to the underlying system that interprets user requests and generates responses; different models vary in speed, capability and computing cost.

According to the changes, users on Gemini's free tier are now limited to a single model, known as "Flash-Lite", which is a lighter and faster variant designed for quick, less resource-intensive tasks.

Subscribers to the paid "AI Plus" plan are also subject to new restrictions on which models they can access, although their options appear to remain broader than those for free users.

Previously, access to Gemini's more capable models was less tightly controlled across these user groups, according to the report.

The combination of these two changes — the introduction of Skills and the tightening of model access — suggests Google may be reshaping how it differentiates free and paid tiers of its AI service.

Restricting access to more powerful models for free and lower-tier paid users could also reflect an effort to manage the significant computing resources required to run advanced AI systems.

It remains unclear exactly how the new Skills feature will interact with the remaining Gems functionality during any transition period, or how long both will coexist.

Google has not provided a detailed timeline for either the full rollout of Skills or the eventual discontinuation of Gems, leaving many users uncertain about what to expect next.

Observers suggest that further announcements from Google are likely in the coming months as the company continues to adjust its Gemini product lineup and subscription structure.