Google Integrates Opal into Gemini for AI Mini Apps

Google Integrates Opal into Gemini Web App: Empowering Users to Build AI-Powered Mini Apps

Google has rolled out Opal, its experimental tool for creating AI-powered mini apps, directly within the Gemini web app, enabling users to craft customizable Gems using natural language prompts and visual editing. Announced on December 16, 2025, via the official Google Blog, this integration democratizes app development by eliminating the need for coding skills, allowing anyone to build reusable tools for specific tasks like brainstorming or content generation.

Background on Opal and Gemini Evolution

Opal originated as a Google Labs experiment launched in July 2025, designed to let users "build and share powerful AI mini apps that chain together prompts, models, and tools" through simple natural language descriptions and a visual editor. Prior to this update, access was limited to opal.google.com, but the new integration embeds it seamlessly into Gemini's Gems manager at gemini.google.com.

Gems, introduced by Google in 2024, are tailored versions of the Gemini AI chatbot optimized for niche roles, such as a learning coach, career guide, or coding partner. With Opal powering these enhanced Gems, users can now generate mini apps featuring custom user interfaces and multi-step workflows, transforming Gemini from a conversational AI into a no-code app builder.

The rollout aligns with Google's push to expand Gemini's capabilities amid intensifying competition in AI tools. Reports indicate this feature is already live for web users, accessible via the hamburger menu in the top-right corner, where Labs-created Gems appear for remixing or from-scratch creation.

(Screenshot of the Gems manager in Gemini web app showing Opal-powered experimental Gems, including pre-made mini apps for remixing. Source: Android Authority coverage of the rollout.)

How Opal Works in Gemini: Step-by-Step Creation

To build a mini app, users describe their desired functionality in natural language—such as "Create a tool that generates blog posts with AI images"—and Opal leverages Gemini models to assemble it. Key enhancements include:

Prompt-to-Steps View: A new visual editor converts natural language prompts into editable lists of steps, simplifying customization of app logic without code.
Remixing and Advanced Editing: Start with Google Labs presets (e.g., a chess coach Gem), remix them, or switch to the full Advanced Editor at opal.google.com for granular control.
Reusable Outputs: Completed Gems function as standalone mini apps with visual interfaces, shareable and reusable for workflows like task automation or content creation.

Notably, Opal operates outside standard Gemini Apps, meaning activity data does not sync to Gemini's history or Workspace settings, preserving experimentation privacy.

(Visual representation of Opal's new steps view in the Gemini sidebar, turning prompts into editable lists for mini app building. Source: Google Blog demonstration.)

Key Features and Technical Improvements

This update boosts Opal's accessibility while refining its core tools. The visual editor now offers a collapsed sidebar preview in Gemini, making iterations intuitive. For power users, transitioning to the dedicated Opal site unlocks deeper options like model chaining and tool integration.

Experts describe Opal as a "vibe-coding" tool, part of a booming trend where AI handles app assembly via descriptive inputs rather than traditional programming. Comparable to startups like Lovable, Cursor, or Anthropic's offerings, Opal stands out for its Gemini-native integration, potentially accelerating adoption among non-developers.

Google emphasizes experimental status: "Try the experiment starting today in the Gemini web app," signaling ongoing refinements based on user feedback.

Industry Impact and Broader Implications

This launch positions Google to challenge rivals like OpenAI's custom GPTs and Anthropic's tools by embedding app-building natively in a widely used chatbot. Android Authority notes it "lets users create and remix AI-powered mini apps," potentially unlocking "customized Gemini experiences" for productivity, education, and creativity.

Implications extend to enterprise and consumer AI:

Democratization of Development: No-code tools like Opal lower barriers, enabling rapid prototyping—e.g., a blog post generator with auto-images.
Ecosystem Growth: Integration could funnel Labs experiments into core Gemini features, as seen with past tools.
Privacy and Data Notes: Exclusion from Gemini activity appeals to testers but raises questions for enterprise compliance.

As AI app builders proliferate, Opal's focus on visual, prompt-driven creation may set a new standard. TechCrunch highlights its role in the "vibe-coding" surge, predicting wider consumer tools like Wabi could face stiffer competition.

Future updates teased by Google executive Josh Woodward include Projects, macOS app support, and enhanced personalization, suggesting Opal is just one piece of Gemini's expansion.

(Official Google Labs branding for Opal, illustrating its integration banner in Gemini's Gems tab: "Build AI apps, a new kind of Gem from Google Labs." Source: Android Central analysis.)

User Adoption and Competitive Landscape

Early coverage from Indian Express and SmartDroid praises the feature's potential for tasks like full blog automation, though availability is web-only for now. Android Central clarifies it's not branded as "Opal" in-app to broaden appeal, using a Labs banner instead.

With Gemini's web app at gemini.google.com open to users worldwide, adoption could surge. This move underscores Google's strategy: start experimental, iterate via Labs, then mainstream—mirroring paths for features like Circle to Search.

In summary, Opal's Gemini integration marks a pivotal step in making AI app creation accessible, fostering innovation across industries while reinforcing Google's AI leadership.