Google is plugging the Play Store into Gemini for smarter app recommendations

Google’s Play Store has a few important jobs, and maybe second only to being a one-stop repository for downloading apps and accessing updates, the Play Store exists to facilitate app discovery. Whether you’re browsing categories or searching for the specific type of app you need, Google’s endeavored to give the Play Store the tools you need to find just the right piece of software. But now Google is giving app discovery a big new AI-powered upgrade, as app recommendations come to Gemini iself.

So far, if you’ve asked Gemini for app recommendations, the AI tool’s been able to put together suggestions based on information it pulls from the web, just like any other query. But now Google’s about to supercharge that experience with direct Play Store integration, pulling from app listings and reviews while offering a convenient pathway to install apps right from within Gemini.

Before you start worrying about app suggestions feeling like ads, Google has been clear that Gemini is only going to point you towards apps when it looks like that’s what you’re asking for — without clear intent on your end, you won’t be drowning in app recommendations.

If you’re anything like us and have more apps installed than you know what to do with, this can also serve as great way to be reminded about functionality you might not be taking full advantage of. If you ask Gemini for advice on completing a task and it turns out that you’ve already got a good app for that installed, Gemini can just point you in its direction. And of course, if you don’t, it will still be happy to offer some new Play Store suggestions.

Access to this new Play Store integration with Gemini is set to get started in just a few weeks, and will be available both on the web and through Gemini on Android — including Gemini Live. And while that’s going to be great, Google’s already preparing the next chapter in this story.

A little later this year, Gemini’s Play Store discovery tools will expand to also include media like TV and movies. What’s very cool about this is that it doesn’t just cover media available for purchase on Play, and you’ll also be able to ask Gemini which apps you need to stream your favorite content.

All this is happening without requiring a lot of effort from developers, ensuring that Gemini’s bringing users recommendations covering as broad a swath of Android apps as possible.