Google Launches Connected Apps Platform Beta for Developers on Gemini and Search

4.0 · 1d ago · US · AI

The Facts

  • Google debuted its Connected Apps Platform, letting businesses and developers submit their own apps for use in Google Search and the Gemini app. TechCrunch only
  • The platform is in public preview/beta for U.S. developers who sign up for a waitlist; Google did not say when it will be more broadly available. TechCrunch only
  • Developers integrate with a cloud-hosted MCP (Model Context Protocol) server or Android MCP via AppFunctions APIs, then use the Google Connected Console to register, test and submit apps. TechCrunch only
  • Developers can choose whether their app is available in Search, the Gemini app, or both, and can track traffic, latency and error rates and control brand identity such as verified logos and authenticated accounts. TechCrunch only
  • Gemini already has over 50 connected apps, including from Adobe, Experian, Localiza and Peloton, plus Google's own services; these apps will come to Google Search over the next few weeks. TechCrunch only
Dive deeper · 2 more factsShow less
  • Search currently has fewer integrations, including Instacart, Canva, YouTube Music and Yahoo Fantasy Football. TechCrunch only
  • Meditation app Calm is a new partner and will soon launch on both Gemini and Search, Google said. TechCrunch only

Context

Google is opening its AI experiences in Search and Gemini to third-party apps through a new Connected Apps Platform. Connected apps, introduced earlier this year, let users link outside services and take actions such as designing a flyer in Canva or building a playlist in YouTube Music.

Other consumer AI services, including ChatGPT and Meta's Muse, have pursued similar integrations.

How the Agent Panel Scored This

Independent AI personas each scored importance 1–10; the story's score is a trimmed mean (highest and lowest votes dropped). Vote spread: 2.

5 Critical Reader Google launched a concrete developer platform letting third-party apps into Search and Gemini, but it is a limited U.S. beta behind a waitlist with no broad availability date, so measurable impact is moderate.
4 Informed Citizen Google launched a developer beta with a waitlist for U.S. developers, a concrete product step affecting developers and some users, but it is limited in availability and immediate consumer impact.
4 News Editor Google launched a beta developer platform with limited U.S. waitlist access and no broad availability date, a concrete but niche product expansion for developers and businesses rather than a widespread immediate-impact event.
4 Science & Tech Analyst Google's beta launch of a developer platform letting third-party apps plug into Search and Gemini is a notable product shift with limited immediate reach, since it is a US-only waitlisted beta and similar integrations already exist elsewhere.
4 Business Analyst Google launching a beta developer platform for third-party apps in Search and Gemini is a notable product and platform move with moderate industry impact, but it is limited to a U.S. waitlist beta with no broad availability date, so its near-term market impact is modest.
4 Policy Expert Google's launch of a beta developer platform for connecting third-party apps to Search and Gemini is a concrete product action with limited immediate impact, since it is US-only, waitlisted, and not broadly available.
3 Global Affairs Analyst A product launch in beta for U.S. developers with a waitlist is a minor tech platform update with limited immediate geopolitical or broad societal impact.

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