Google AI Mode now connects with apps to automate shopping, playlists, and design work

Google's AI Mode now lets you link and interact with select apps

Google announced on Thursday that it now allows users to link and interact with some of their go-to apps right in AI Mode, the tech giant's conversational search experience. At launch, supported apps include Instacart, Canva, and YouTube. With this new update, Google is expanding AI Mode beyond answering questions and into completing tasks across the apps they use regularly. The tech giant is also likely hoping that users will rely on AI Mode more often for things like planning and shopping. Plus, the rollout will allow Google to better compete with rivals like OpenAI's ChatGPT and Anthropic's Claude, both of which support app integrations. In one example, Google says that if you're planning a barbecue and using AI Mode to create a grocery list, you can connect your Instacart account to add the ingredients directly to your shopping cart and quickly check out on the Instacart app or website. Or, if you're working on a project and need design ideas, like for a flyer, you can ask Canva to show you a selection of templates. In another example, Google says you could use AI Mode to curate a playlist for your next party and instantly save it to YouTube Music. The update is rolling out to users in the U.S. Google says it's working with a range of partners and plans to launch support for more apps soon. Today's announcement builds on a capability Google launched earlier this year at Google I/O that lets users connect third-party apps to the Gemini app to complete tasks faster. Supported apps include Canva, OpenTable, Spark, Instacart, and more. Since its launch in early 2025, Google has been continuously building out AI Mode with more capabilities. Most recently, the tech giant announced that AI Mode can now help check whether an item you need is in stock at a nearby store. Google also recently added the ability for users to explore the web side-by-side with AI Mode to do things like compare details and ask follow-up questions while preserving the context of their search. Earlier this year, Google launched "Personal Intelligence" on AI Mode, enabling it to tap into users' Gmail and Google Photos to provide more individualized responses.

Google AI Mode now integrates with Canva, YouTube Music and Instacart - Engadget

You can now make playlists, design flyers and compile shopping lists using AI in Search. Google's apparent mission to have AI infiltrate every aspect of your digital life continues today with new integrations with three different apps. Rolling out this week in the US, you can now connect Canva, YouTube Music and Instacart to AI Mode in Search. The idea seems to be that AI services will slot more naturally into your day when you don't have to think about opening the Gemini app to use them. Let's start with Google's own YouTube Music. Here you can use AI Mode to make you a playlist based on your prompt. Once you've requested the type of genres and mood you're looking for, Gemini will connect to YouTube Music and drop the suggested playlist into the chat feed, which you can then open in the app. You can also ask the AI to mock up some design templates in Canva. Google uses the example of flyers for an upcoming party you might be planning, of which it can pull in calendar information to design something appropriate. In the case of Instacart, once connected you can have it add ingredients and grocery items to your shopping cart in the app. Again, if you've saved an event like a BBQ in your calendar, it'll use that information when formulating your shopping list. Google says it's working with other partners to launch other similar integrations in the future. Personal Intelligence -- what Google calls Gemini's ability to pull in information from other apps to assist with its responses -- was added to AI Mode at beginning of this year, and the company has been gradually widening out the features that are available in Search throughout 2026. A few months ago, it started allowing the AI to turn to Reddit for "expert" first-hand accounts that can inform its responses, and at I/O 2026 the company promised that you'll now get smarter results in AI Search. Google also launched a new Intelligent Search Box that can dynamically become larger to fit more complex queries. It also allows you to use videos, images, files and even Chrome tabs as inputs.

Google Search's AI Mode can now handle tasks beyond the search bar

Google plans to add more app integrations, turning AI Mode into a more capable assistant. If you've been using Gemini with Gmail or Calendar, you'll already know how much time it can save by pulling information from the apps you use every day. Google now wants to bring that same idea to Search, except this time it's not just answering questions -- it's helping you actually get things done. Starting today in the US, you can switch to AI Mode in Google Search and link to supported third-party apps. The initial lineup includes YouTube Music, Canva, and Instacart. Imagine you're planning a birthday party. Rather than opening Canva, picking a template, and tweaking it yourself, you can simply ask AI Mode to make a colorful invitation for a party next Saturday with a tropical theme. Once Canva is connected, Search understands the request, sends it over, and returns a ready-made design in moments. The same goes for music. If you're tired of spending 20 minutes building the perfect playlist, AI Mode can ask YouTube Music to put together one that matches your vibe -- whether that's a laid-back barbecue, an '80s throwback, or a high-energy workout. When it's done, you can save the playlist directly to your YouTube Music library. And then there's the grocery shopping. Say you've finalized the guest list and realize you need snacks, drinks, and dessert. Instead of manually searching for every item in Instacart, you can tell AI Mode what you need, and it'll populate your shopping cart for you. You still decide whether to check out, but the tedious part of filling the cart is already done. That's really what makes this update interesting -- AI Mode is gradually evolving from something that simply finds information into something that can actually complete parts of a task on your behalf. For now, app support is limited, but Google says it's working with additional partners. Once access expands, AI Mode could become much more useful for everyday planning, shopping, and creative work, all without leaving the Search page.

Google's AI Mode is ready to tackle your everyday tasks with third-party apps

Chandra Steele has been writing about tech for the entirety of her journalism career. She loves making tough topics easy to understand. Before joining Android Police, Chandra was senior features writer at PCMag where she did everything from interviewing Jeff Goldblum to explaining crypto. Google's AI Mode has taken over your internet searches and, if you've connected your Google apps to it, your personal searches as well. Today it has started tackling tasks through third-party connected apps. Google is rolling out integration with Canva, Instacart, and YouTube Music that's aimed at getting things done right within a search. Google lays out an example in its announcement: "Let's say you're planning a barbecue and using AI Mode for help with your grocery list. If you connect Instacart, you can add the ingredients straight into your Instacart shopping cart and check out with just a few taps on their app or website." Requests are processed in Ask Anything To use the feature, go to google.com/ai. You can then enter the request in the Ask Anything bar. Google's suggestions include: "Make me a grocery cart of healthy snacks and drinks for 8 adults." "Create a playlist featuring the top trending Bollywood songs from the past 10 years." "I'm launching a weekend pop-up vintage clothing sale. Create a flyer draft in Canva that looks retro, grainy, and uses neutral earth tones." The trio of apps makes for an easy way to plan a party, from getting the groceries to making the playlist and writing up the invites. Rolling out now The connected apps in AI Mode in Search are rolling out right now in the US in English. To use the feature, you must be signed into a Google account and link that account to the service you want to use. If it isn't already linked when you attempt to use the feature, you'll be able to click Link when it's surfaced, and then follow the steps in AI Mode to link it. Google said that it's working with other partners on introducing more apps soon.

Google is turning Search into your personal shopping and music assistant with AI Mode

You no longer have to launch Gemini to have Google's AI handle some tasks. Google is rolling out connections between AI Mode in search and multiple popular services, making it possible to complete some tasks with little more than a prompt. The integration lets you add items from a grocery search to your Instacart shopping cart -- you only have to check out to complete the purchase. If you're in the early stages of designing a layout for a presentation or website, Canva can suggest templates. And if you're determined to create a summer soundtrack, you can save the songs in your results to a YouTube Music playlist. YouTube Music Subscription with ads No, plans are ad-free Live TV No Visit YouTube Music Expand Collapse The tie-in is initially available this week in the U.S. for an unspecified "range of partners," with more apps and services due soon. It works on both mobile and the desktop. Why is Google's AI Mode search controlling my apps and services? One less reason to use rival AI Google isn't the first with these kinds of features, even when considering specific apps. Anthropic's Claude Design can use Canva to not only offer templates but even take passes at completed projects. However, this theoretically reduces the temptation to use rival services, especially if you only need to complete quick tasks. Why talk to Claude or ChatGPT when the search box you already use can do the same thing? This also reflects Google's push for AI agents that perform even complex actions on your behalf. Android 17 introduces Gemini Intelligence that controls your phone for multistep processes like booking reservations and hailing rides. The AI Mode search update brings some of that philosophy to the web, making it just a matter of writing the right query. This isn't currently a full-fledged agent that can juggle work across services, and it certainly won't help if what you need is offline. Even so, it advances Google search further beyond knowledge gathering and toward a digital assistant role. You might only need to run apps for particularly involved tasks.

Google AI Mode adds more Connected Apps, including YouTube Music

Google is updating AI Mode with support for more first and third-party apps, just like the Gemini app. At the start of this year, AI Mode gained support for Connected Apps like Gmail and Google Photos. This helps personalize responses without you needing to specify them in the prompt. In recent weeks, the Google Workspace integration added support for Google Drive and Calendar. The latter lets AI Mode tailor generated plans to your existing schedule while allowing you to directly add events to Calendar. You can set up integrations from settings. Today's expansion lets AI Mode use YouTube Music to create playlists. As the answer generates, you'll see an "Asking YouTube Music" status message. You then get an inline card with songs. There are buttons for "Add to library," while "Play" opens YouTube Music. The other new integrations today are Canva and Instacart: * ...if you're working on a project where you need some design concepts - like creating a flyer - you can ask Canva to show you some template options. * Let's say you're planning a barbecue and using AI Mode for help with your grocery list. If you connect Instacart, you can add the ingredients straight into your Instacart shopping cart and check out with just a few taps on their app or website. The integration is beginning to roll out this week in the US. Google teases that more apps and partners are coming to AI Mode.

Google Search Now Connects to Instacart, Canva and YouTube Music

Google is expanding AI Mode in Search, allowing users to connect apps to improve search results and "get more done." Instacart, YouTube Music, and Canva can be connected, and Google explains how the integrations can be useful: * Instacart - If you're using AI Mode to help you plan a grocery list, ingredients can be added right to an Instacart shopping cart for quick ordering. * Canva - If you're creating a flyer, you can get template options from Canva. * YouTube Music - You can use AI Mode to curate a playlist and save it to YouTube Music. Instacart, Canva, and YouTube Music are the only apps that can be connected right now, but Google may add more in the future. Connected apps were previously available in Gemini, but the feature set is now being expanded to Search. Connecting apps is limited to AI Mode in the United States, in English. Once an app is connected, users are able to access new features when making a request in Google Search AI Mode. Connected apps can be used in Search both on the desktop and through the Google Search iOS app. Google suggests users turn on history and personalized recommendations to improve the Google Search experience. Google says it uses people's interactions with Search and the new AI features to develop and improve generative AI experiences.

You can now link your favorite apps to AI Mode in Google Search to get things done

AI Mode now works with Instacart, Canva, and YouTube Music inside Search. Google is making AI Mode in Search more useful by letting you connect third-party apps. Starting this week in the US, you can securely connect some of your go-to apps directly to AI Mode, letting Search actually complete tasks for you instead of just answering questions. This update builds on a similar trick Google already pulled off inside the Gemini app, and now it is landing in Search itself. The initial rollout includes three launch partners, Instacart, Canva, and YouTube Music, with Google saying more app integrations are on the way. Which apps can you connect to AI Mode right now? The first wave of integrations zeroes in on the kind of everyday tasks that usually start with a random Google search anyway. Say you are throwing a backyard barbecue and using AI Mode to sort out your grocery list. Connect Instacart, and every ingredient lands straight in your cart, leaving you just a couple of taps away from checkout instead of a whole separate shopping trip. Need a flyer or invitation designed but have zero desire to open Canva yourself? Just ask AI Mode, and it hands you ready-made template options. If you want the perfect playlist to match your event's vibe, AI Mode can whip one up using YouTube Music, save it to your library, and hit play before your guests even show up. Why does this update matter? This is not just a small tweak; it is actually a big change in how Google Search operates. Instead of tossing you a pile of links and leaving you to finish the job yourself, Google Search can now reach directly into the apps you already use. Recommended Videos With this update, AI Mode will feel less like a search bar and more like a personal assistant that quietly gets your errands done in the background. And according to Google, this is only the opening act, with more app partners expected to join soon.

Google AI Mode gets more useful with Canva, Instacart and YouTube app integrations

Google LLC said today it's letting users link some of their favorite, most often used applications with AI Mode, its conversational search tool powered by artificial intelligence. Initial supported apps include Canva, Instacart and YouTube, with more to come in future. The update, announced in a brief blog post by Google, marks a significant expansion of AI Mode, which now does much more than just answering questions. With these app integrations, AI Mode is now able to complete some basic tasks for users. The company seems to be hoping that this will be enough to convince more people to start using AI mode for things like shopping and planning. It also positions Google to better compete with rivals like OpenAI Group PBC and Anthropic PBC, whose ChatGPT and Claude chatbots already integrate with third-party apps. Google offered a number of examples of what users can now do with AI Mode. For instance, if someone is planning a barbecue, they can ask AI Mode to create a list of groceries they need, then connect to their Instacart account and add all of those items to their shopping cart before paying on the Instacart app. Alternatively, if someone is working on a project, such as designing a flyer, they can ask Canva for a selection of templates. In a third example, users could also ask AI Mode to curate a playlist based on their favorite artists and then save it on YouTube Music. The update will come to users in the U.S. first of all, and Google said it will add support for more applications in the coming weeks and months. Google already offers a similar capability with Gemini, which was launched earlier this year at Google I/O. It lets Gemini connect to apps including Canva, Instacart, OpenTable, Spark and others and complete tasks within the. While Gemini remains the focus of Google's AI efforts, the company has been enhancing AI Mode continuously since launching it in early 2025. AI Mode is different from the standalone Gemini app. It's an interface that lives inside Google Search that relies on Gemini to deliver summaries and explanations based on user's internet searches. In a recent update, Google said AI Mode gained the ability to check whether an item is in stock in nearby stores. It also made it possible for users to explore the web side-by-side with AI Mode, so they can compare details on various websites and ask follow-up questions without losing the context of their initial search. Google also launched a "Personal Intelligence" feature in AI Mode, which enables it to search through people's Gmail inboxes and Google Photos to generate more personalized responses to some searches.

Google AI Mode adds Canva and Instacart integrations

Google has initiated new integrations for its AI Mode in Search, allowing users to connect with Canva, YouTube Music, and Instacart. This rollout is expected this week in the United States. With AI Mode enabled for YouTube Music, users can create playlists tailored to specific genres and moods based on prompts. The AI will generate a suggested playlist which can be accessed directly within the app. Users can also leverage Canva through AI Mode to design templates, such as event flyers, utilizing information from their calendars. In addition, the integration with Instacart facilitates the automatic addition of grocery items and ingredients to users' shopping carts, particularly using saved calendar events like barbecues to compile shopping lists. Video: Google Google stated that it is exploring additional partnerships for future integrations. "Personal Intelligence," which enables Gemini to access and incorporate information from other applications, was introduced early this year as part of AI Mode. The company has continuously enhanced AI Mode throughout 2026, including allowing the AI to reference Reddit for firsthand expert accounts to improve the quality of responses. At I/O 2026, Google showcased updates, claiming to deliver more intelligent search results. As part of these enhancements, Google launched an Intelligent Search Box that adjusts its size to accommodate complex queries and supports user inputs via videos, images, files, and Chrome tabs.

Google Expands AI Mode With Third-Party App Integrations

Google showcased several examples of how the new functionality works Google's AI Mode was expanded to global markets last year, and this search experience uses Gemini 3's next-generation intelligence to create AI-based responses. Now, Google has updated the AI Mode with support for third-party connected apps. With the latest update, users can link and interact with some of their go-to apps right in AI Mode. It is designed to assist with daily tasks like planning a party, getting groceries, and creating playlists. At launch, the feature will be available for users in the US and will support three apps. Google AI Mode Updated With Third-Party App Integrations Through a blog post on Thursday, Google announced that users can now link and interact with some of thier go-to services right in AI Mode. Google has integrated with Canva, Instacart, and YouTube Music to streamline the search experience. The connected apps in AI Mode are designed to help users complete tasks across regularly used apps. Google says it will assist users with their shopping and planning activities. The company has also listed out some useful scenarios for the new feature. Google says users planning a barbecue party can ask AI Mode to create a grocery list and, after linking their Instacart account, add the items directly to their shopping cart and check out with a few taps on the Instacart app or website. Similarly, the connected apps in AI Mode will show Canva template options based on a user's design requirements. Music lovers can use AI Mode to generate a playlist and save it to YouTube Music. Google AI Mode's integration with third-party apps is now rolling out in the US. The company confirmed that it is working with a range of partners to add support for more apps soon. With the latest update, Google appears to be strengthening its position against rivals like ChatGPT, which already offers app integration. Google launched Gemini-powered AI Mode in 2025. It uses Gemini 3's next-generation intelligence and allows users to get help with thier questions. It allows users to ask follow-up questions to dig deeper into the topic. The response in AI Mode includes multimodal results, with images, links, tables, and more.

Google lets users connect apps to AI mode in Search

Starting this week, users will be able to interact with and complete tasks across apps like Instacart, Canva, and YouTube Music right from AI Mode in Search, Google says. The move is part of Google's broader Search AI overhaul, as the company rapidly transforms its search box into a universal AI assistant that does everything for users, from shopping to travel planning to answering questions directly. OpenAI's ChatGPT and Anthropic's Claude already support third-party app integrations. How would app integrations work in Google's AI Mode? Let's start with YouTube Music. Google says users will be able to use AI Mode to curate a playlist based on a prompt. Users can pick a particular genre or mood; AI will drop the suggested playlist in the chat interface, which they can then open in the app. It's unclear, however, if a user can buy a YouTube Music subscription from within AI Mode. In another example, Google said users can use AI Mode to create a grocery list, connect an Instacart account to add the ingredients directly to their shopping cart and checkout on the Instacart app or website. If a user is working on a project and needs design ideas, let's say a flyer for an upcoming party, they can ask the AI to show a selection of templates on Canva. The update is initially rolling out in the US. Google said it is talking with other partners to launch support for more apps soon. How does this align with Google's broader strategy for AI Mode? Gemini already supports integrations with first- and third-party apps, allowing users to ask AI to complete tasks and interact with WhatsApp, Canva, OpenTable, Spark, Instacart, Spotify, and Booking.com, among others, though some privacy concerns remain unanswered. Google has been regularly updating AI Mode with more features since its launch in early 2025. Most recently, the company said its agentic capabilities in AI Mode can help users check whether an item is in stock at a nearby store, and also track prices for individual hotels directly in Search. In April 2026, Google also introduced web side-by-side with AI Mode, allowing users to compare details and ask follow-up questions. How is it different from OpenAI's shopping plan? Last September, OpenAI launched an Instant Checkout feature, which allowed users to buy select items from retailers like Etsy, Walmart and Shopify directly within ChatGPT. While the company initially billed it as the "next step" in agentic commerce, it later pulled back. Why? * Only a small number of merchants were selling through Instant Checkout. * Users were researching products inside ChatGPT but not using it to make purchases. Nikhil Pahwa, founder and editor of MediaNama, writes in-depth about why OpenAI's shopping plan failed here. While Google is not trying to embed checkout within AI Mode, several concerns remain: 1. Who is liable when AI makes an error? Google says checkout would finish at the third-party app or website. However, grocery items would be added to the user's cart using AI assistants. What if there's a hallucination? What if AI misinterprets the quantity required or adds wrong items to the cart? If a user does not review the order before checkout, they may end up paying for things they actually did not want. Should liability rest with Google, the third-party app, or the user when Google's AI assistants make an error? 2. The control challenge: In The Opportunity Trap of the ChatGPT App Store, Pahwa writes, "When apps in ChatGPT exist to serve tasks, the real question is: who decides which app appears, and when?" This also applies to apps plugged into Google's AI Mode. When will it recommend a Blinkit over Instacart for grocery purchases? The control over the app inside AI Mode lies with Google, unless a user specifically asks for a different app in the chat. "LLMs also carry embedded bias (hello anti-trust) and will eventually need to demonstrate neutrality," Pahwa writes. 3. Privacy concerns: Google's privacy policy states that it collects information including terms you search for, videos you watch, media (like images, files, audio and video) from your interactions, purchase activity, people with whom you communicate or share content, activity on third‑party sites and apps that use its services, and Chrome browsing history you've synced with your account. When you use AI Mode, Google can retain details of those interactions. Its Search Services History documentation says your history can include generative AI responses in AI Mode and data from apps you connect to Search services; you can turn this history off or delete past activity at any time. For Connected Apps (including those used with Gemini), Google's Privacy Hub states that data shared between Gemini and Connected Apps can include information from your chats, device and preferences (like language), location, and content from the connected apps themselves (such as emails, files, events, photos, and videos). However, once that data is shared, Google notes that third‑party apps use it consistent with their own privacy policies and terms, and that deleting data in Google does not delete what those apps have already received. In addition, for custom third‑party integrations added via Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers, Google explicitly warns that it does not control, monitor, or secure those servers -- so users should trust the third party and understand the supported actions before connecting.