Google is expanding AI Mode in Search with new app integrations that allow users to complete tasks without leaving the conversational search experience.
The company has started rolling out support for connected apps in the United States, beginning with Instacart, Canva and YouTube Music. Users can securely link supported services to AI Mode and interact with them through natural language requests.
The update represents another step in Google’s effort to turn AI Mode from a question and answer tool into a digital assistant capable of taking action across external platforms.
AI Mode was initially designed to help people explore complex questions, compare information and continue conversations with follow-up prompts.
With connected apps, the platform can now help users act on the information it provides.
Instead of receiving instructions and then opening another app to complete a task, users can connect a supported service and continue the process directly through AI Mode.
The feature could make Search more useful for activities such as planning events, shopping for groceries, creating designs and organizing entertainment.
Google demonstrated the new capability with an example involving a barbecue.
A user can ask AI Mode to help plan the event and create a grocery list. After connecting an Instacart account, the user can add the suggested ingredients directly to an Instacart shopping cart.
The purchase can then be completed through the Instacart app or website.
This integration reduces the number of steps required to move from planning a meal to ordering the necessary items.
It also shows how Google intends to combine conversational assistance with commercial services. AI Mode can help determine what a user needs, while the connected app handles the transaction.
The Canva integration is designed to help users begin visual projects from within Search.
Someone creating a flyer, invitation or promotional graphic can describe the project to AI Mode and ask Canva to present suitable templates.
Users can review the available options and continue working on the design through Canva.
This feature may be useful for people who need quick design ideas but are unsure where to begin. Instead of manually searching through a large template library, they can describe their needs conversationally and receive more relevant suggestions.
AI Mode can also connect with YouTube Music to help users create playlists.
A user planning a party, workout or road trip can describe the type of music they want. AI Mode can then curate a playlist and save it directly to the connected YouTube Music account.
The user can begin listening without manually searching for and adding every song.
This integration demonstrates how AI Mode can combine planning, recommendation and execution within a single conversation.
Google says connected apps can work alongside Personal Intelligence, a feature that allows AI Mode to provide responses based on information from supported Google services.
Combining these capabilities could result in more personalized recommendations.
For example, AI Mode could consider the context of a user’s request, generate a tailored plan and then use a connected app to help complete the task.
The usefulness of the system will depend on which services users choose to connect and what permissions they provide.
Users may also need to consider how their information is shared between Google and third-party platforms when enabling integrations.
The addition of app connections places Google AI Mode in more direct competition with AI platforms that support external services and tools.
ChatGPT and Claude have introduced integrations that allow users to access information and perform tasks across different applications. Google is now bringing a similar approach directly into its dominant Search platform.
Google has a significant advantage because many users already rely on Search throughout the day. Adding task completion features could encourage them to remain within Google’s ecosystem instead of moving between separate AI assistants and apps.
The update also reflects a broader industry shift toward agent-like AI systems. Technology companies increasingly want their assistants to do more than provide written responses. They want them to carry out practical actions on behalf of users.
Google says the feature is beginning to roll out to AI Mode users in the United States.
Users can access the connected apps section in AI Mode and choose which supported services they want to link.
The initial selection includes Instacart, Canva and YouTube Music. Google says it is working with additional partners and plans to support more apps in the future.
The company has not provided a detailed timeline for international availability.
The connected apps update changes the role of Google Search.
Traditional search engines primarily direct users to websites where they can find information or complete an action. AI Mode is moving toward handling more of that process inside the search interface.
A user can now begin with a broad request, receive personalized help and transfer the result into a connected service.
For consumers, this could make everyday tasks faster and more convenient. For Google, it could increase engagement with AI Mode while strengthening Search as the starting point for shopping, planning, creativity and entertainment.
As more apps become available, AI Mode could develop into a central interface for managing tasks across multiple digital services.
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