Users in the U.S. will soon be able to directly order third-party services from the search window—a strategic shift from being merely an information provider to an active task assistant.
Integration with Instacart, Canva, and YouTube Music
The new feature allows English-speaking users in the U.S. to link their accounts with selected partners. According to industry reports from earlier this week, Google is initially partnering with Instacart, Canva, and YouTube Music.
This concretely means that if someone searches for a recipe in the AI search, the necessary ingredients can be automatically added to an Instacart shopping cart. In the realm of graphic design, templates can be directly accessed through Canva. For music lovers, the AI curates playlists that can be saved directly in their YouTube Music library. However, users retain the final approval for purchases or transactions.
This feature is currently available for desktop users and via the Google search app on iOS. The company has announced plans to establish more partnerships to expand the task spectrum of the AI.
From Searching to Acting
This step is a logical continuation of a development Google initiated earlier this year with the “Personal Intelligence” feature. At that time, the AI was allowed to access Gmail and Google Photos to deliver personalized search results. Now, it goes a step further: instead of merely presenting links, Google intends to carry out tasks directly.
This positions the search engine giant even more aggressively against generative AI platforms like ChatGPT and Claude. The new Connected Apps feature was previously available in the separate Gemini app but is now integrated directly into core search functionality.
Data Privacy and the Future of Publishers
The expansion of AI-driven actions raises pertinent questions. By using Connected Apps, users share certain data with third parties, which is necessary for the tasks to execute. Google emphasizes that interactions are used to enhance its AI models.
Industry observers foresee potential challenges for traditional website operators. If users can shop or create without leaving Google Search, traditional publishers and providers risk losing traffic. Questions remain regarding liability in case of AI errors during task execution and the selection of recommended third-party providers.
Navigating Legal Challenges
The integration of applications and user data transfer requires precise legal safeguards, especially in light of new AI regulations. Companies must pay attention to the new legal frameworks outlined in the EU AI Act. A free practical guide can assist firms in understanding risk classifications and documentation requirements for their AI systems.
AI Brings Football History to Life
Parallel to these search innovations, Google’s AI division has realized a historical project with its Gemini and Veo models. In July 2026, the company created a retro-style video showcasing a goal by the footballer Pelé from 1959—known as the “Gol da Rua Javari,” for which no film recording previously existed.
The project utilized motion-capture technology, archival photographs, and interviews to recreate the event with the consent of the athlete’s family. This represents yet another example of how generative AI is no longer limited to producing text and images; it can also digitally resurrect lost moments from sports history.
