TechCrunch reports that Google is launching its Connected Apps Platform in a public preview beta for U.S. developers, making it simpler for businesses to connect their applications to Google Search and Gemini. The move arrives as AI agents reshape how users interact with online services, letting people link third-party tools to perform specific tasks.
Key takeaways
- Google debuted its Connected Apps Platform in beta for U.S. developers on the waitlist.
- Developers can build integrations using cloud-hosted or Android MCP servers and AppFunctions APIs.
- Over 50 connected apps already exist in Gemini, with integrations coming to Search over the next few weeks.
- Google did not share when the platform will become broadly available.
What is the Connected Apps Platform?
Introduced in Gemini and Google Search earlier this year, connected apps allow users to link third-party services securely and use them to take specific actions. TechCrunch reports that you could connect to Canva to design a flyer, or to YouTube Music to build a playlist. Other consumer-facing AI services like ChatGPT and Meta's Muse have explored similar ideas, aiming to shift consumer behavior away from launching individual apps.
To build these integrations, developers use a cloud-hosted MCP server or Android MCP with AppFunctions APIs. They then register, test, and submit their app through the Google Connected Console. Once live, creators can track traffic, latency, and error rates while maintaining control over their brand identity and verified logos.
How Google Gemini apps work with third-party services
Google currently has over 50 connected apps available in Gemini from partners such as Adobe, Experian, Localiza, and Peloton, alongside its own services like Workplace, Photos, and YouTube Music. These tools will arrive on Google Search over the next few weeks, joining existing integrations like Instacart, Canva, and Yahoo Fantasy Football. Meditation app Calm is also joining as a new partner to launch on both Gemini and Search.
What happens next?
U.S. developers can now sign up for the waitlist to access the public preview beta, though Google did not share when the tools will open up more broadly. TechCrunch notes that this shift could be one of the initial steps for businesses wanting their services to stay visible to users on the agentic web, much like how SEO once helped websites manage search engine rankings.
Frequently asked questions
It is a new platform introduced by Google in a public preview beta for U.S. developers. It allows businesses to connect their third-party apps to Google Search and Gemini so users can securely interact with them.
TechCrunch reports that developers can integrate with a cloud-hosted MCP server or Android MCP using AppFunctions APIs. They then register, test, and submit their app through the Google Connected Console.
Google has over 50 connected apps in Gemini, including services from partners like Adobe, Experian, Localiza, and Peloton, plus Google's own tools such as Photos, Workplace, and YouTube Music.
According to TechCrunch, these apps will come to Google Search over the next few weeks, joining current integrations like Instacart, Canva, Yahoo Fantasy Football, and upcoming partner Calm.
The platform preview is currently available in beta for U.S. developers who sign up for the waitlist. Google has not shared when it will become more broadly available.
Based on reporting by TechCrunch. Read the original article
