Gemini Just Got Way More Useful: New Connected Apps
Google Gemini Gets New Superpowers: Connect Your Favorite Apps to Do More
Imagine having a super-smart assistant that can not only answer questions but also actually do things for you—like book a dinner reservation, summarize your meeting, or find a plumber. That’s exactly what Google just announced for Gemini!
What Happened?
At the Made by Google event, Google revealed that Gemini (their AI assistant) is getting a major upgrade. Over the next few weeks, you’ll be able to connect Gemini to popular apps and services you already use. Once connected, you can ask Gemini to take action inside those apps—all without leaving the chat.
Important Point:
This isn’t just about getting answers—it’s about getting things done. You can plan, create, and check off your to-do list in one place.
How It Works (In Simple Steps)
- Open Gemini on your phone or computer.
- Go to Settings and look for "Connected Apps" (or "Extensions").
- Toggle on the services you want to use (like OpenTable, Spotify, or Wix).
- Start chatting! Ask Gemini things like:
- "Book a table for two at an Italian place nearby for 7 PM."
- "Summarize my last meeting from Otter.ai."
- "Find me a plumber on Angi."
The New App Categories & Partners
Google grouped the new partners into four easy-to-understand categories. Here’s what’s coming:
Productivity & Creativity
Get work done faster and build things online.
| App | What It Helps You Do |
|---|---|
| Granola | Take better meeting notes & summarize discussions. |
| Otter.ai | Transcribe and summarize voice conversations/meetings. |
| Wix | Edit and manage your website content directly. |
Local & Entertainment
Explore your city, travel, and catch live events.
| App | What It Helps You Do |
|---|---|
| Fever | Discover and book local experiences & events. |
| GetYourGuide | Book tours, activities, and attractions worldwide. |
| Localiza | Rent a car in Latin America. |
| OpenTable (UK) | Reserve a table at restaurants in the UK. |
| Ticketmaster | Search for and buy concert, sports, and theater tickets. |
Music
Your personal DJ, powered by AI.
| App | What It Helps You Do |
|---|---|
| iHeartRadio | Discover live radio stations and podcasts. |
| Pandora | Stream personalized music playlists and stations. |
Home, Health & Lifestyle
Take care of your home, your health, and your life admin.
| App | What It Helps You Do |
|---|---|
| Angi | Find and book home professionals (plumbers, cleaners, etc.). |
| Thumbtack | Hire local pros for almost any project. |
| Zocdoc | Find doctors and book medical appointments instantly. |
Why This Is a Big Deal (The "So What?")
- One Command Center: You don’t need to open 5 different apps to book a night out (dinner + tickets + ride). You just tell Gemini.
- Context Awareness: Gemini remembers what you’re doing. Ask it to "book the dinner we talked about yesterday" and it knows the context.
- Privacy First: You choose exactly which apps to connect. Nothing is linked without your permission.
Summary
Google is turning Gemini into a true "do-engine" by connecting it to the apps you already love. Rolling out over the next few weeks, these new partnerships cover Productivity, Local Fun, Music, and Home/Health. You stay in control—just toggle on the services you want, and start asking Gemini to handle the busywork.
FAQ
Do I have to pay extra for this?
No. The Gemini connection feature is free. You just need accounts with the specific services (like Ticketmaster or OpenTable) to use them.
Is my data shared with Google automatically?
No. You must manually opt-in and toggle on each specific app in Gemini’s settings. You are in full control of what Gemini can access.
When will I get these new apps?
Google says they are rolling out over the next few weeks. Keep an eye on your Gemini settings (Extensions/Connected Apps) to see when they appear for you.
Can I use this on my iPhone or Android?
Yes. Gemini works on both Android and iOS (via the Google app or Gemini app), so these connected apps will work on either platform.
What if an app I want isn’t on the list?
This is just the first wave of partners. Google plans to add many more services over time. You can always give feedback in the app requesting your favorites!