Google's conversational search tool, AI Mode, has just gained the ability to link and interact with select third-party apps, the company confirmed Thursday. Main Developments At launch, users can connect with Instacart, Canva, and YouTube directly within the AI Mode interface. This update transforms the feature from a pure question-answering system into one that can complete tasks across these platforms. Google hopes this expansion encourages more frequent use of AI Mode for planning and shopping activities. Read also: Why Google's NotebookLM Rebrand Signals a Unified AI Future Background AI Mode is Google's conversational search experience, initially focused on answering queries. The move mirrors similar integrations already offered by competitors OpenAI's ChatGPT and Anthropic's Claude. Why It Matters By enabling app interactions, Google positions AI Mode as a more practical daily tool, potentially increasing user engagement. It also directly challenges rivals in the race to build versatile AI assistants that go beyond simple conversation. What's Next Google has not announced plans for additional app integrations, but the move suggests further expansion is likely. Users can expect the feature to evolve as Google refines its AI capabilities.