Google has expanded the capabilities of AI Mode in Search by introducing new Connected Apps integrations with Canva, Instacart and YouTube Music, allowing users to complete tasks directly from search results instead of switching between multiple applications. The update is rolling out in the United States this week and reflects Google's broader strategy of making Search a platform that not only answers questions but also helps users take action.
The latest integrations enable AI Mode to securely connect with supported third-party services after users link their accounts. Once connected, the AI assistant can recommend Canva design templates, curate YouTube Music playlists and add grocery items to an Instacart shopping cart based on conversational prompts.
For example, users planning a community event can ask AI Mode for flyer ideas and receive Canva templates relevant to their request. Similarly, someone preparing a meal can ask for a grocery list, which AI Mode can transfer directly into an Instacart cart for checkout. Music listeners can also describe a mood or occasion and have AI Mode generate a playlist that can be saved to YouTube Music.
Google said the new Connected Apps are designed to make Search more useful by extending AI beyond information retrieval. Instead of simply generating recommendations, AI Mode can now initiate actions inside partner applications, reducing the number of steps required to complete everyday tasks. The company also indicated that additional app integrations and partners are expected to follow in the future.
The rollout builds on Google's earlier Connected Apps functionality, which already supported services such as Gmail, Google Photos, Google Drive and Google Calendar. Those integrations allow AI Mode to deliver more personalised responses by securely accessing user-approved information. The latest expansion introduces external consumer applications into the ecosystem for the first time.
The update also highlights Google's growing focus on agentic AI, where AI systems move beyond generating responses to carrying out tasks on behalf of users. By connecting directly with commerce, productivity and media platforms, AI Mode is gradually evolving into a task-oriented assistant capable of completing workflows within Search.
The move comes as technology companies continue to integrate AI assistants with third-party platforms. Increasingly, AI services are being designed to perform real-world actions such as making reservations, creating documents, shopping online or managing schedules instead of serving solely as conversational interfaces. Google's latest announcement places Search alongside this broader industry trend of embedding AI into digital workflows.
For businesses, the new integrations could create additional opportunities to engage consumers directly within AI-powered search experiences. Design platforms, streaming services and commerce applications may benefit from reduced friction between discovery and execution, while users gain the ability to complete tasks without repeatedly opening separate apps.
Currently, the Connected Apps feature is available only in AI Mode in the US and in English. Users must manually link supported applications before AI Mode can interact with them. Google said the feature is beginning to roll out this week, with more connected services planned as AI Mode continues to expand.