Google is expanding the reach of its AI-powered services by launching the Connected Apps Platform, which allows developers to integrate their apps with Google’s Gemini AI and Search experiences. This initiative, currently in beta and available to U.S. developers, enables businesses to connect their services directly to Google’s AI, allowing users to perform tasks like designing with Canva or creating playlists on YouTube Music without leaving Google’s environment. Developers can submit apps through a streamlined process, monitor app performance, and control their brand presence within Google’s AI ecosystem.

This move reflects a broader trend among AI providers to transform how consumers interact with apps by embedding them within intelligent agents rather than using standalone applications. Google’s platform already supports over 50 connected apps from partners such as Adobe, Peloton, and Experian. The company plans to bring these integrated experiences to Google Search in the coming weeks, complementing existing connections with apps like Instacart and YouTube Music. Meditation app Calm is also set to join both the Gemini and Search platforms, highlighting the diversity of services aiming to capitalize on Google’s AI interface.

For developers, the Connected Apps Platform offers tools like the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and AppFunctions APIs to facilitate integration. Once submitted via the Google Connected Console, apps can be distributed within Gemini and Search, with developers gaining access to detailed analytics concerning traffic, latency, and errors. This transparency and control are critical, as Google aims to build a robust ecosystem where businesses can increase their visibility through AI-enabled search and interaction, potentially similar to how SEO transformed web presence.

Google’s push to open its AI services to more apps aligns with its ongoing efforts to enhance user engagement and grow new revenue streams. Although the company’s traditional Search ad growth is slowing, the expansion of AI-powered ads globally and longer, more complex queries indicate increased adoption of AI features. By integrating a wide range of third-party services into its AI experience, Google hopes to reshape web navigation and app discovery, keeping user attention within its platform and offering new opportunities for businesses to connect with consumers.