Google is once again shuffling its AI features, moving Gems to Skills and Spark to Task, alongside Scheduled Actions. This change, starting November 17, aims to clarify Gemini's capabilities but might add to the confusion for Indian users.
Google is rolling out a significant reorganisation and renaming of its Gemini AI features, continuing a long-standing habit of changing product names. Starting November 17, 2026, personal Google accounts will see 'Gems' converted into 'Skills', while the 'Spark' background agent is being integrated into the main chat as 'Task'. This comes alongside 'Scheduled Actions', a timer feature that has been around since 2025.
Gems Become Skills: What Changes?
Previously, Gems were standalone custom bots you interacted with in their own dedicated windows. With the shift to Skills, your custom instructions are now pulled directly into the main Gemini chat. You'll activate a Skill by typing a forward slash in the prompt bar and selecting the one you need. Gemini can also apply a Skill automatically if it deems it relevant to your prompt.
A major upgrade with Skills is the ability to 'stack' multiple instructions in one conversation. This means you could, for instance, apply a company branding guideline and a specific writing tone simultaneously without having to move outputs between different bots. However, this transition isn't without its caveats. Many built-in tools like Canvas, Deep Research, Guided Learning, and video and music generation, which were available in Gems, are not yet compatible with Skills. Sharing a Skill or attaching files from Google Drive is also not supported at launch, though Google has indicated these features are coming soon. Users with Gems relying on these functionalities should test them before November 17.
According to Android Police, Google will automatically convert personal Gems into Skills. Once converted, Gems will be gone for good on personal accounts. Users with work and school accounts will see this migration happen in 2027.
Scheduled Actions: Your Automated Briefings
Scheduled Actions, introduced in 2025, allow you to set up recurring prompts for Gemini. You write a prompt, specify when and how often it should run, and Gemini prepares the result in the background. You can have up to 10 such actions running concurrently. On the web, the chat will mark itself as unread, while mobile users will receive a push notification.
A key advantage here is that Scheduled Actions do not require a Google AI subscription, though Google is still in the process of rolling it out to all free accounts. It only works if 'Keep Activity' is switched on. Gemini prepares results in the hour before delivery, making it suitable for information that doesn't change rapidly, like a morning digest of your calendar, to-do list, emails, or a daily weather forecast with outfit ideas. One quirk is that location-dependent actions, like weather, use the location where they were initially set up and won't update as you travel.
Spark Transforms into Task: The Always-On Agent
Google's always-on background agent, previously known as Spark, is now being rebranded as 'Task' within the Gemini interface. In a redesign, it appears as a 'Chat and Task' switch next to the prompt box, with its settings page renamed 'Task settings'. This agent runs on Google Cloud virtual machines, meaning it continues to operate even if your laptop is closed or your phone is locked.
With Task, you give Gemini a high-level goal, such as researching competitors across the web, and it autonomously works through the necessary steps. Google has built in safeguards, requiring your approval before sending messages, changing data, making purchases, or submitting web forms. It also hands control back for passwords or payment details, though Google cautions these safeguards are not foolproof. Task supports up to 15 concurrent operations and requires a Google AI Pro or Ultra subscription, with 'Keep Activity' switched on.
Which One Should Indian Users Pick?
The distinction between Scheduled Actions and Task can be confusing, as both can be scheduled. However, they serve different purposes. Skills are about following specific instructions every time, and they are free. Scheduled Actions are for time-based, recurring briefings that don't need real-time reactions and are also free (for most users).
Task (formerly Spark) is the premium offering, requiring a Google AI Pro or Ultra subscription. It's designed for event-driven actions and for Gemini to work across your apps and the web even when you're away. Think of it as an assistant that can watch flight prices and alert you when they drop, or sift through your inbox to unsubscribe from newsletters you've ignored. Ultimately, your choice depends on whether you need simple custom instructions, time-based updates, or a reactive, multi-step agent working in the background.
Before November 17, Android Police recommends that users back up their existing Gems. Copy their instructions into a Markdown file and download any associated knowledge files. Given Google's history, further renaming or merging of these features is always a possibility, and having your prompts saved locally ensures you retain your custom configurations.
