MOUNTAIN VIEW (Azat TV) – Google announced the launch of skills in Gemini, a new feature designed to automate repetitive tasks and save custom instructions directly within chat. The rollout comes alongside a strategic shift that will see the discontinuation of Opal, an experimental AI workflow tool, on November 17, 2026. According to the Google Labs Team, the insights gained from user interaction with Opal directly shaped the development and capabilities of the newly introduced Gemini skills.
Transitioning from Opal to Gemini Skills
The introduction of skills in Gemini allows users to save repeating instructions and execute them instantly by typing a forward slash followed by the skill name. Because skills overlap significantly with the capabilities previously tested in Opal, Google decided to sunset the experimental platform. Users who relied on Opal for building AI mini-apps can continue using the service until November 16, 2026. While saved workflows will not automatically migrate to the new system, personal Google Drive folders containing Opal files will remain intact in a dedicated directory.
Developer Options and Data Retention
Google confirmed that workflow files created during the Opal experiment will not be deleted when the visual runner turns off. Users retain access to their files stored in Google Drive and are advised to manually copy custom prompts before the November deadline. For more advanced prototyping and developer projects, Google directs creators to Google AI Studio, where custom prompts and newer Gemini models remain available. The consolidation of experimental tools into core chat interfaces highlights Google’s broader strategy to streamline user workflows and integrate productivity features directly into mainstream products.