Google launches platform to link third-party apps with Gemini and Search
The new Connected Apps Platform lets users perform tasks across different services like Canva or YouTube Music directly within Google's AI and search tools.
The short version
- The Connected Apps Platform is currently in a limited preview for developers in the United States.
- Users can perform tasks like creating Canva designs or building YouTube Music playlists through Google interfaces.
- Developers can use cloud-hosted Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers or Android’s AppFunctions APIs for integration.
- More than 50 connected apps are already available, including services from Adobe, Experian, and Peloton.
- Google plans to expand the availability of these integrations across Search and other products gradually.
Why it matters
This shift moves Google toward an AI-powered service model where the assistant acts as a central hub for your digital life. It reduces the friction of moving between different apps to complete multi-step tasks.
A unified AI interface
Google has officially introduced the Connected Apps Platform, a new framework designed to bridge the gap between its AI tools and external software. This initiative allows developers to link their specific applications directly with Gemini and Google Search. The goal is to let users complete complex tasks across various services without the need to manually switch between different mobile apps or browser tabs.
By creating a more interconnected ecosystem, Google aims to make its AI assistant a functional hub for daily activities. Instead of just providing information, the AI can now act as a coordinator for various third-party tools. This represents a significant shift toward AI-powered services that can perform actions on behalf of the user through a single, centralized interface.
As reported by سانا, the platform is currently in a limited preview phase specifically for developers based in the United States. While the rollout is restricted for now, the company intends to expand access to more markets and products over time. This gradual release allows Google to monitor how these integrations perform before making them a standard feature for the general public.
How the integration works
Developers interested in joining the ecosystem can register their applications through a dedicated portal to begin the testing and submission process. Once an application is submitted, it undergoes a review process by Google before it becomes accessible to the wider user base. This ensures that the third-party services meet specific standards before they appear within Gemini or Search results.
To build these connections, developers have two primary technical pathways. They can utilize cloud-hosted Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers, which provide a standardized way for AI models to interact with data sources. Alternatively, they can use Android’s AppFunctions APIs, which are designed to allow apps to perform specific actions or share data with other services on the Android operating system.
To manage these integrations, Google provides a centralized dashboard known as the Google Connected Console. This tool gives developers the necessary oversight to monitor how their apps are performing in the wild. They can track specific metrics such as usage volume, response times, and error rates while maintaining full control over their own branding and user account authentication.
Real-world use cases
The practical application of this platform is centered on making common digital tasks more seamless for the end user. For example, a user might be able to request the creation of a new design using Canva without ever leaving the Gemini interface. Similarly, users can build and manage playlists on YouTube Music through the same integrated system.
The platform is already hosting a diverse range of services to demonstrate this versatility. More than 50 connected apps are currently available across Gemini and Search. These include well-known brands such as Adobe, Experian, and Peloton, alongside a variety of other third-party services and Google's own internal products.
One of the upcoming additions to the platform is the meditation and wellness app Calm, which is expected to join both Gemini and Search. This highlights the variety of industries that can benefit from the integration, ranging from creative work and financial tracking to fitness and mental health.
Expansion and roadmap
While the platform is currently in a limited preview, Google has expressed clear intentions for its growth. The company plans to expand the availability of connected apps through Google Search in the coming weeks. This suggests that the integration will become more prominent in the standard search experience for users who do not use Gemini as their primary assistant.
The rollout strategy for the developer platform is designed to be incremental. Google stated that access will expand gradually to additional developers, different geographic markets, and various products. However, the company has not yet provided a specific timetable for when these wider availability milestones will be reached.
This initiative is part of a broader trend in the tech industry toward agentic AI. By connecting disparate applications through a single interface, Google is positioning its AI to act as a personal agent. This allows the technology to move beyond simple text generation and into the realm of executing multi-step workflows across the internet.
What to watch
- Which specific industries will see the most growth in connected apps?
- How will Google handle user privacy when AI agents perform actions across multiple third-party accounts?
Try it
Check the Google Connected Console if you are a developer to see if you can register your app for the limited preview.
Sources and links
- Reportingسانا: the article we sourced
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Listen to the daily showsFirst reported by سانا · Read the original. Written by the SI Agent News Desk from the reporting above.Written with AI from the source above. Every number is checked against the source. Spot a mistake? Corrections.
