Google is bringing custom skills and over 40 connected third-party services into a single menu inside the Gemini app, in a move paving the way to replace the previous Gems feature with a more flexible skills system.
Gradual rollout of the customization hub across all platforms and tiers
Three tabs for connecting with over 40 services and apps
Geographic and linguistic restrictions and enterprise admin controls
Gradual transition from the Gems feature to the skills ecosystem
FAQs
Gradual rollout of the customization hub across all platforms and tiers
Google is adding a new center called “Customize” within the Gemini artificial intelligence app, placing custom skills and more than 40 connected third-party services into a single, easily accessible menu. The update is currently reaching web, mobile, and desktop users gradually. The company described the addition in an official Google Workspace Updates blog post published on Wednesday, October 21, as “a single place to tailor and customize how Gemini responds and connects with your favorite tools.”
Technical notes from Google indicate that the gradual rollout actually began on October 13 and may take up to 15 days to reach all users worldwide. The new menu is coming to the Gemini desktop app on Windows and macOS, as well as the web and mobile versions, and will be available to all user categories without exception, including enterprise Workspace customers, Workspace Individual subscribers, and free personal Google account holders.
Three tabs for connecting with over 40 services and apps
Users can open the Customize hub directly from the left sidebar in the app interface. According to tech publication Android Authority, the hub consists of three main tabs: the “Explore” tab suggests suitable apps and skills for the user, the “Connectors” tab displays external apps that can be linked to the account, and the “Skills” tab provides ready-to-use options alongside a dedicated button to build new fully customized skills.
Android Authority explained that the Connectors tab includes Google’s own services such as Google Photos and YouTube, alongside popular external services like GitHub, Shopify, and Dropbox. Ready-to-use skills available in the hub can mimic the user’s personal writing style, assist in meeting preparation, and organize brainstorming sessions to develop ideas.
Google’s release notes provide other practical examples of what can be accomplished through these connectors, such as ordering groceries and food items via the Instacart app, booking a restaurant table through OpenTable, and editing photos using Adobe tools. The company’s official notes stated: “We want to make Gemini work the way you work.” Users choose the apps they want to connect themselves, with the ability to review those permissions or remove and disconnect them at any time.
Geographic and linguistic restrictions and enterprise admin controls
Regarding geographic and language availability, most connected apps currently operate in English within the United States only at this stage. However, some are also available in other English-speaking regions, as well as Brazil and India.
Google’s official help page clarifies that the Customize hub is available to signed-in users aged 18 and older. For individuals using enterprise work accounts, their organization’s system administrator must enable access to Gemini, allowing admins to manage and control connected apps through the admin console.
Gradual transition from the Gems feature to the skills ecosystem
The new hub builds its capabilities on the “Skills” feature that Google added to Gemini conversations on September 30. Skills are defined as sets of reusable instructions, and the company stated they will eventually replace the custom assistant feature known as Gems.
The rollout of the Skills feature within the Gemini app is expected to be completed by mid-November. Conversely, a separate post on the Workspace updates site reported that the integration of skills into Workspace desktop apps has been “delayed until further notice.” Google noted that providing ways to share skills among users and connect them to Google Drive cloud storage will arrive in the coming weeks.
FAQs
Q: What is the new customization hub added by Google to the Gemini app?
A: It is a unified menu inside the Gemini app featuring three tabs—Explore, Connectors, and Skills—allowing users to create custom skills and connect more than 40 external services and apps.
Q: What are the most prominent external apps that can be connected to the Gemini app?
A: The list includes Google services like Google Photos and YouTube, and external services like GitHub, Shopify, Dropbox, Instacart, OpenTable, and Adobe.
Q: Will the new skills feature replace the Gems feature in Gemini?
A: Yes, Google confirmed that Skills—reusable instruction sets added on September 30—will eventually replace the Gems feature as its rollout in the app is completed by mid-November.
Q: Which users will get the new customization hub?
A: The hub is available to all users aged 18 and older via the web, mobile, and Windows and Mac apps, covering personal accounts, Workspace customers, and Workspace Individual subscribers.
