Google is turning its search engine into an action hub. Starting this week in the U.S., you can securely connect third-party apps directly to AI Mode in Search, enabling it to perform tasks like adding groceries to a cart, pulling up design templates, or building a playlist—all without ever leaving your search results. This move transforms AI Mode from a purely informational tool into a proactive assistant that can reach into the services you already use.
How Connected Apps Work
The setup is straightforward. Inside AI Mode, you’ll be able to link your accounts from a growing set of partners. Once connected, Search can act on your requests in those apps. Currently supported services include:
- Instacart: Add ingredients directly to your shopping cart and check out in the app.
- Canva: Fetch design templates—like flyer concepts—right from search results.
- YouTube Music: Generate a custom playlist and start listening with one tap.
Google says these integrations are built with security in mind and leverage Personal Intelligence to deliver more tailored responses. For example, if you’re planning a barbecue, AI Mode might automatically suggest ingredients you’ve ordered before and offer to send them straight to Instacart.
Streamlining Everyday Tasks
The real payoff is reduced friction on mobile devices. Instead of copying a list from Search into a shopping app or manually searching for a playlist, the AI handles the handoff. Imagine you’re out running errands and remember you need party supplies. With a quick voice or text query, you can populate a cart without ever opening another app. Similarly, if a design idea strikes while you’re browsing the web, AI Mode can surface relevant Canva templates and even populate them with your theme. The common thread is that Search stays the center of attention, so you don’t lose your workflow.
The Bigger Shift Toward Proactive AI
This update is part of a broader redefinition of what a search engine does. By allowing AI Mode to interact with external services, Google positions itself not just as a gateway to information, but as a platform that connects your intent to immediate action. It’s a direct play against other AI ecosystems that rely on closed, in-house app integrations, and it mirrors capabilities already available in the Gemini app.
For portable AI users, the benefits are clear: fewer context switches, faster task completion, and a more conversational interface that feels less like typing commands and more like a natural extension of how you think. The ability to get things done without app-hopping is especially valuable on phones, where screen space and attention are limited. Google says it’s working with more partners and will add additional apps soon, so expect the list of connectable services to expand.