As AI agents reshape the web, Google opens Gemini and Search to more apps
News Source
β’Wed, 28 Oct 2026 17:00:00 +0000
π° What Happened
Google launched a Connected Apps Platform on Wednesday. It lets any business submit an app that works inside Gemini and Google Search. A user could link Canva to design a flyer or YouTube Music to build a playlist without opening those apps.
The tool is in beta for U.S. developers. They connect through a server built on the Model Context Protocol, then use a Google console to test and submit the app. Google says developers can pick whether their app shows up in Search, Gemini or both. They can also watch traffic, speed and errors.
Google already has more than 50 connected apps in Gemini, from partners like Adobe, Experian and Peloton. Its own apps, such as Photos and YouTube Music, are included too. Calm is a new partner. The apps will reach Search over the next few weeks.
π The Backstory
Connected apps started in Gemini and Search earlier this year. The idea is simple. Instead of opening many apps, you ask one AI assistant to do the task for you. ChatGPT and Meta's Muse are trying the same thing.
The catch is choice. An assistant is only useful if it can reach the services people already use. That is why Google is now letting outsiders in instead of signing every deal itself.
TechCrunch compares this to early search engine optimization. Years ago, sites learned to rank well on Google. Now companies may need to make their apps easy for AI agents to find and use.
π― Why It Matters
If this works, you may stop opening a dozen apps and just ask one assistant. That shifts power to whoever runs the assistant, and it changes how small businesses get found online.
Google launched a Connected Apps Platform on Wednesday. It lets any business submit an app that works inside Gemini and Google Search. A user could link Canva to design a flyer or YouTube Music to build a playlist without opening those apps.
The tool is in beta for U.S. developers. They connect through a server built on the Model Context Protocol, then use a Google console to test and submit the app. Google says developers can pick whether their app shows up in Search, Gemini or both. They can also watch traffic, speed and errors.
Google already has more than 50 connected apps in Gemini, from partners like Adobe, Experian and Peloton. Its own apps, such as Photos and YouTube Music, are included too. Calm is a new partner. The apps will reach Search over the next few weeks.
Connected apps started in Gemini and Search earlier this year. The idea is simple. Instead of opening many apps, you ask one AI assistant to do the task for you. ChatGPT and Meta's Muse are trying the same thing.
The catch is choice. An assistant is only useful if it can reach the services people already use. That is why Google is now letting outsiders in instead of signing every deal itself.
TechCrunch compares this to early search engine optimization. Years ago, sites learned to rank well on Google. Now companies may need to make their apps easy for AI agents to find and use.
If this works, you may stop opening a dozen apps and just ask one assistant. That shifts power to whoever runs the assistant, and it changes how small businesses get found online.