Google opens Gemini and Search to more connected apps

Google is opening its Connected Apps Platform to businesses and developers who want their services to work with the company’s AI features in Search and Gemini. The platform preview is available in beta to developers in the U.S.

Connected apps let users link third-party services and take actions through Google’s products. For example, users can connect Canva to design a flyer or YouTube Music to build a playlist. Developers can choose to make an app available through Search, the Gemini app, or both.

To submit an app, developers integrate with a cloud-hosted MCP (Model Context Protocol) server or Android MCP using the AppFunctions APIs. They can then register, test, and submit it through the Google Connected Console. Once an app is live, its developers can monitor traffic, latency, and error rates, and manage its brand identity, including verified logos and authenticated accounts.

Google says more than 50 Connected Apps are already available in Gemini, including services from Adobe, Experian, Localiza, and Peloton. Those apps are expected to come to Google Search over the next few weeks. Search already offers integrations including Instacart, Canva, YouTube Music, and Yahoo Fantasy Football. Google also named meditation app Calm as a new partner, saying it will soon launch on both Gemini and Search.