Image: Google
Google has launched a preview of its Connected Apps Platform, a single place for developers to build and manage apps that work inside Google Search and the Gemini app. The company announced the platform on October 28, alongside a new group of Connected Apps from partners including Adobe, Calm and Peloton.
We’re launching a preview of our Connected Apps Platform, giving developers a single place to build and manage apps for Search and the @GeminiApp.
— Google (@Google) October 28, 2026
Plus, we’re rolling out a new set of Connected Apps from partners like @Adobe, @Calm, and @onepeloton to make your everyday activities more streamlined. pic.x.com/hkymStYNKQ
What Connected Apps are
Connected Apps let people use outside services without leaving Google. Google's examples include ordering groceries and making playlists. According to Google's developer site, a user links an app once and can then reach their account data and take actions in that service from supported Google products.
What the new platform does
Google pitches the platform as a way for developers to build once and reach users in both Search and Gemini. Google says developers connect their service through a cloud-hosted MCP server, or through Android MCP using the AppFunctions APIs. MCP, short for Model Context Protocol, is an open standard for linking AI assistants to outside tools and data. Google's developer documentation says the Android route is meant for apps that want actions to run locally on the phone.
Developers then use a tool called Google Connected Console to register, test and submit their app. Before review, they choose whether it goes live in Search, the Gemini app or both. After launch, Google says developers can track traffic, latency and error rates and keep control of their brand, including verified logos and signed-in accounts.
Image: Google
Google says it is opening access in phases and will add more developers, markets and Google products over the coming months. Developers can sign up for the preview on Google's developer site.
New apps for users
Google says it has launched more than 50 Connected Apps across Search and Gemini, covering areas such as productivity, event ticketing and health and fitness. Integrations with Adobe, Experian, Localiza and Peloton are live in the Gemini app, and Google says they will come to Search in the coming weeks. A new Calm integration is also planned for both Search and Gemini.
Image: Google
Google points users to its help center pages for Search and Gemini to see which Connected Apps they can use. Exact availability by country was not listed in the announcement at the time of this writing.
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