As AI agents reshape the web, Google opens Gemini and Search to more apps

Google is making it easier for businesses to connect their apps to its AI experiences across Search and Gemini with the debut of its Connected Apps Platform.

Introduced in Gemini and Google Search earlier this year, connected apps let users securely link and interact with popular third-party services, then use them to take specific actions. For instance, you could connect to Canva to design a flyer, or to YouTube Music to build a playlist.

We’ve seen varying takes on the idea by other consumer-facing AI services like ChatGPT and Meta’s Muse. The premise is that such integrations could ultimately shift consumer behavior away from launching and using individual apps to instead using their favorite services through their preferred AI provider.

Essentially, this process lets devs connect their app to Google’s services so it can be used with the search giant’s AI features. Developers can also choose whether they want their app to be available via Search, the Gemini app, or both.

After the app is live, developers can track traffic, latency, and error rates, and maintain control over their brand identity, such as their verified logos and authenticated accounts.

However, to successfully capture and retain consumers’ attention, there have to actually be a wide range of connected apps to explore.

Google’s idea is to open its doors to any business or developer that wants to reach users through Search or Gemini by allowing them to submit their own connected apps and monitor their performance.

The platform preview is currently available in beta to developers in the U.S., and will allow developers to build and submit apps that can be used across Google’s products.