Google invites outside developers to link third-party services directly into Gemini and Search

Google launched its Connected Apps Platform on Wednesday, opening a preview that lets developers link their services to Google Search and the Gemini app. The system allows users to interact with third-party apps directly through Google's AI tools to perform specific tasks, such as creating a playlist or designing a flyer. While Gemini already includes more than 50 connected apps from partners like Adobe, Peloton, and Instacart, Google plans to bring these existing integrations to Google Search over the coming weeks alongside an upcoming partner integration from meditation app Calm. [3][4]

To build an integration, developers must set up a cloud-hosted Model Context Protocol server or an Android MCP server using AppFunctions APIs. They can then register, test, and submit their integrations through the new Google Connected Console website. The console lets developers select whether their app appears in Gemini, Search, or both, while providing tools to track traffic, latency, and error rates, as well as manage verified logos and account authentication. [3][4]

The platform preview is currently limited to U.S. developers who join a waitlist, with access rolling out in phases over the coming months. The expansion reflects broader industry efforts by rivals like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Meta's Muse to retain users by embedding external actions into conversational AI. [3][4]