Google hasn’t been afraid to integrate the Gemini AI bot into almost every app and device – from Pixel 9 to yours Video calls– and most of the time you have the same experience when you call the assistant. However, if you need a more customized AI bot, you can customize Gemini by creating your own Gems.
Gems are essentially different types of Gemini with their own specific instructions and rules. For example, you could create a gem that explains difficult concepts in a simple way, or a gem specifically aimed at improving your programming skills.
These gems don’t bring anything new that can’t already be achieved through Gemini’s main AI, but they can be useful because they are more specific and focused. You can also upload files to provide your Gems with customized “knowledge” beyond the main Gemini training.
At least for now, you can only use Gemini Gems if you’re paid Gemini Advanced Subscriberwhich earns Google $20 per month. (I haven’t heard anything yet about whether or when the feature might be available to free users.)
Create new gems
You can access your Gemini Gems, but also create new Gems, from any device on which you are signed in to Google. You must use the Gemini web app. To get started, click Gem Manager Link on the left (click on the three lines at the top left if the side panel is hidden): You will then be shown a set of pre-made gems that you can already access.
These cover topics such as programming, writing and career advice, giving you an idea of what is possible with Gemini Gems. Click on one of these gems to try it out (you’ll also see a gallery of suggested prompts), or click the copy button (two rectangles) to duplicate a gem so you can edit it yourself.
There are some pre-made gems to get you started.
Photo credit: Lifehacker
If you want to copy a prebuilt Gem, the information used to build it will be displayed on the screen: you can click anywhere to make changes to the pre-existing instructions and give the Gem a new name. You can even help Gemini write instructions using the button that looks like a pen with a star next to it.
Creating your own gem is very similar to editing an existing gem. On the Gem Manager screen, click New gem. Then give your Gem a name and some instructions. These instructions can cover the topics the Gem should focus on, the type of language and tone he should use, and anything he should definitely not do (e.g. go off on a tangent).
Gemstones can also be delivered with reference documents attached.
Photo credit: Lifehacker
The Knowledge panel allows you to upload your own documents: for example, if your Gem is an expert in DNA, you might want to upload some scientific papers on the topic. This also allows you to create custom Gems based on any interests or topics, as long as you have references for the AI to look at.
Any documents you add will work in addition to Gemini’s existing training, and you can test your Gem using the input field on the right, making further tweaks as needed. If you’re happy with the gem’s performance and how it responds to your prompts, click Save.
Chat with your gems
All gems you create can be accessed on demand via Gem Manager on the left side of the web interface, and you can also find it in the Gemini mobile apps – just make sure you’ve selected the right one before you start chatting.
Everything works the same as Gemini’s main AI: you enter your prompts by typing or speaking (via the microphone button) and get the answers back on the screen. As usual, you can rate the quality of the answers using the thumbs up and thumbs down buttons, make Gemini try again (the circular arrow button), and see the sources the chatbot used below the answer.
Gems will follow your instructions in creating responses.
Photo credit: Lifehacker
If Gemini used documents you uploaded, it will show this at the top of the response: Click Analysis completed see a glitch. If desired, you can also specify that your gem reference specific documents for specific answers in your prompts.
This ability to upload documents is what can make Gems really useful. For example, you could upload an essay about your favorite music and movies and develop a gem to make recommendations – all of this information is retained and you don’t have to enter it every time you use Gemini. You can also upload examples of your own writing to help your Gem write more like you.
Gemstones also draw on the more general education of Gemini.
Photo credit: Lifehacker
These custom AI bots are also useful when you want answers returned in a consistent way or format: for example, maybe you just want a playlist generator and nothing else, or you need to rewrite text in a specific style. Gems can do this without having to use the same repeated prompt commands every time.
You can use that + (Plus) button at the bottom of Gem chats to upload files and images that you can use for your prompts, just like any Gemini chat. However, you don’t have access to anything more natural Gemini Live Voice interface in Gems – You only get the basic voice interaction mode as well as the typing option.
