On 28 October Google opened a preview of its Connected Apps Platform, which lets developers bring their services into Gemini and Search. Apps connect either through a cloud-hosted MCP server or, on Android, through AppFunctions. Registration, testing and submission happen in the new Google Connected Console, which also shows traffic, latency and errors. Access is opening in phases, starting with developers in the United States.

What it means: Until now a business wanted a good search ranking so that customers would visit its site. With platforms like this, the AI assistant can complete the booking, order or lookup on its own screen by calling the business's service directly. Google is adopting the open MCP standard already used by other major players, which means the same connection can serve several assistants. Greek online shops, travel services and booking apps should start thinking now about which functions would make sense to expose to such assistants, such as availability, prices or order status. Initial access is limited to the United States, so there is time to prepare. There are also open questions: who controls the customer experience, how personal data is handled and what happens if the assistant prefers a competitor. A business that connects gains visibility, but becomes more dependent on Google's rules, which can change without negotiation. Developers should also watch how Google reviews and ranks connected apps.

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