Google Launches Connected Apps Platform, Opening Gemini and Search Access to Developers
Google has released the Connected Apps Platform, allowing enterprises and developers to submit their own apps for integration with Gemini and Google Search, and to choose to launch on only one or both. The platform is currently available in beta preview to US developers; after launch, it will allow tracking of traffic, latency, and error rates, while retaining brand identity and verified accounts. Gemini already has more than 50 Connected Apps, including partners such as Adobe, Experian, Localiza, and Peloton; these apps will enter Google Search in the coming weeks. The meditation app Calm will also launch on Gemini and Search.
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Google is opening third-party app access to Gemini and Search to developers, allowing readers to gauge the direction of ecosystem competition for agent entry points.
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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.
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.
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.
Similar to how SEO allowed companies and websites to show search engine rankings, this could well be one of the initial steps for businesses that want their services to be more visible to users on the agentic web.
Google already has over 50 Connected Apps available in Gemini, including from partners like Adobe, Experian, Localiza, Peloton, and others, in addition to its own expansive set of services, from Workplace and Photos to YouTube Music and Google Home.
These apps will now come to Google Search over the next few weeks. Search today has fewer integrations, featuring apps like Instacart, Canva, YouTube Music, Yahoo Fantasy Football, and others.
Google said meditation app Calm is another new partner on this effort, and that its app will soon launch on both Gemini and Search.