Google opens Gemini and Search to outside apps with new developer platform
What happened
Google launched its Connected Apps Platform, which lets businesses connect their apps to Google Search and Gemini. Current Search integrations include Instacart, Canva, YouTube Music, and Yahoo Fantasy Football. Meditation app Calm is a new partner and will appear on both Gemini and Search soon.
Why it matters
When apps plug into AI search tools, users may discover and use services through AI conversations instead of visiting websites directly. Small business owners who run apps should watch whether their customers start expecting AI-assisted access to their services.
Who's doing it
Google is building the platform. Calm is an early partner. Existing integration partners include Instacart, Canva, YouTube Music, and Yahoo Fantasy Football.
Try it
- Open Google Search and search for a common task like grocery shopping or design. Notice whether results show interactive app cards from services like Instacart or Canva instead of just links.
- Open Gemini at gemini.google.com and ask it to help with a task like meditation or creating a design. See whether it offers to launch or connect to a partner app.
- If you run a business with an app, search Google's developer documentation for Connected Apps Platform to learn what integration would require.
Read the original at techcrunch.com
Comments
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Karen what's the catch
So Google gets to see what I order on Instacart AND what I meditate about on Calm? WHO is selling MY data to whom here?
The Yinzer
Great, so now instead of just googling my fantasy lineup I get some AI jagoff telling me who to start. Yinz think I can't read a box score?
The Boss hype translator
This is all about ecosystem synergy and frictionless discovery. Translation: Google stands between your customers and you, so pay the toll.
The Professor fact check
The platform connects third-party apps to both Search and Gemini, with Instacart, Canva, YouTube Music, and Yahoo Fantasy Football currently live. Calm is announced but not yet integrated.