Google on Thursday expanded the capabilities of its AI-powered search experience by allowing users to connect and interact with third-party applications directly within AI Mode, marking another step in its effort to transform search from an information tool into an AI assistant capable of completing real-world tasks.
The update, initially rolling out to users in the United States, introduces integrations with apps including Instacart, Canva and YouTube, enabling AI Mode to move beyond answering questions and helping users execute actions across multiple services without leaving the conversational interface.
The latest expansion is part of Google’s broader strategy of embedding artificial intelligence deeper into its search ecosystem as competition intensifies with OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude, both of which have taken positions as AI assistants capable of interacting with external applications and services.
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Rather than simply generating recommendations, AI Mode can now hand off tasks directly to partner apps. For example, users planning a barbecue can ask AI Mode to generate a grocery list and then connect their Instacart account to automatically add the ingredients to their shopping cart before completing the purchase through the Instacart app or website.
Similarly, users working on presentations or marketing materials can ask AI Mode to surface relevant Canva templates without separately searching the design platform, while those creating playlists can generate music recommendations and immediately save them to YouTube Music.
The integrations signal Google’s ambition to make AI Mode a central hub for everyday digital activities, reducing the number of separate searches and app switches required to complete common tasks such as shopping, designing content, and organizing entertainment.
The move also strengthens Google’s competitive position in the rapidly evolving AI assistant market, where major technology companies are racing to create platforms that not only provide information but also perform actions on behalf of users.
OpenAI has steadily expanded ChatGPT’s ability to connect with external services and productivity tools, while Anthropic’s Claude has added integrations designed to support enterprise workflows. Google’s latest update narrows that competitive gap by leveraging its own search platform alongside a growing ecosystem of third-party applications.
Thursday’s announcement builds on capabilities unveiled during Google I/O earlier this year, when the company introduced support for connecting third-party apps to Gemini, its flagship AI assistant. Those integrations already include services such as Canva, OpenTable, Spark and Instacart, allowing Gemini to complete tasks across multiple platforms.
The expansion of AI Mode suggests Google is aligning the capabilities of Search and Gemini, blurring the distinction between traditional web search and conversational AI. Google has steadily enhanced AI Mode since its launch in early 2025. Recent additions include the ability to check whether products are available at nearby retail stores, giving users real-time inventory information before they shop.
The company has also introduced a side-by-side browsing experience that allows users to explore websites while continuing conversations with AI Mode, preserving context for follow-up questions and product comparisons instead of requiring users to repeatedly start new searches.
Earlier this year, Google also introduced its “Personal Intelligence” capability, allowing AI Mode to access Gmail and Google Photos, with user permission, to deliver more personalized responses based on emails, travel plans, receipts, photos, and other personal information stored across Google’s ecosystem.
Together, the latest features underpin Google’s broader effort to reposition Search as an AI-native experience that combines conversational responses, personalized context and task execution. Instead of functioning solely as a gateway to websites, AI Mode is evolving into an orchestration layer capable of connecting multiple services, completing workflows, and keeping users within Google’s ecosystem for longer periods.
The strategy could also deepen user engagement with Google’s AI offerings while creating additional opportunities for developers and partner companies to integrate their services into conversational experiences. As more applications become compatible with AI Mode, analysts expect Google’s platform to serve as a unified interface for shopping, productivity, travel planning and entertainment, further reshaping how consumers interact with both search engines and third-party apps.