# Google Opens Gemini and Search to Outside Apps Through MCP, With a Console That Tracks Their Traffic

Times of AI Desk · 2026-10-29 · Products

[https://timesof.ai/2026/10/google-connected-apps-platform-gemini-search-mcp-preview](https://timesof.ai/2026/10/google-connected-apps-platform-gemini-search-mcp-preview)

> Google launched a preview of its Connected Apps Platform on October 28, letting developers build one MCP-based integration and choose to appear in Search, the Gemini app or both, managed through a new Google Connected Console. Access is phased; TechCrunch says it starts with US developers on a waitlist. Adobe, Experian, Localiza and Peloton apps are live in Gemini.

Google is turning Gemini and Search into an app distribution channel with its own developer console. On October 28 it launched a preview of the Connected Apps Platform, which lets developers build one integration and choose whether it appears in Search, the Gemini app or both.

## How it works

Developers connect through a cloud-hosted Model Context Protocol (MCP) server, or through Android MCP using the AppFunctions APIs, then register, test and submit the app in a new Google Connected Console, according to Google product managers Chips Mistry and Mai Lowe. Once live, the console reports traffic, latency and error rates, and developers keep control of verified logos and authenticated accounts.

Access is opening in phases. TechCrunch reported the preview is for US developers who join a waitlist; Google says it will add developers, markets and Google products over the coming months.

## The apps

Google says it has launched more than 50 Connected Apps across Search and Gemini. Integrations from Adobe, Experian, Localiza and Peloton are live in Gemini and will come to Search in the coming weeks, and Calm is launching on both.

MCP is becoming the common plug for this kind of distribution. Apple this week opened [Pages, Keynote and Numbers to outside agents through MCP](https://timesof.ai/2026/10/apple-iwork-logic-ai-assistants-openai-mcp), and earlier this month Meta and Sierra announced a [Personal Agent Protocol](https://timesof.ai/2026/10/personal-agent-protocol-meta-sierra-walmart-stripe) for consumer agents, with Walmart and Stripe among the partners.

## Limits

- Google did not say how it will rank or choose Connected Apps in answers, or whether developers can pay for placement.
- No usage figures for existing Connected Apps were given.
- Review criteria for submissions are not public in the announcement.

## Sources

- [Google: Build and manage Connected Apps in one place (October 28, 2026)](https://blog.google/innovation-and-ai/technology/developers-tools/connected-apps-one-place/)
- [TechCrunch: As AI agents reshape the web, Google opens Gemini and Search to more apps (October 28, 2026)](https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/28/as-ai-agents-reshape-the-web-google-opens-gemini-and-search-to-more-apps/)