Enterprise assistants still respond mostly in text. However, that can break down for visual, multi-step work, where every adjustment costs another slow chat turn.
MCP Apps (SEP-1865) solves this. This open Model Context Protocol (MCP) extension pairs a tool with a live UI. In Gemini Enterprise, that UI renders directly in the chat flow inside a sandboxed iframe, and can expand to fullscreen or a side panel. Edits run locally while the workspace and assistant stay synchronized.
You also avoid rebuilding core foundations: Gemini provides workforce sign-in, governed data access, and the Default Assistant, while you host your MCP server on a private Cloud Run service.
Why we need MCP Apps
Enterprise assistants have evolved through three generations:
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Generation 1 (Text chatbots): Returns static markdown with no interactive controls.
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Generation 2 (Standard MCP tools): Invokes live APIs, but outputs static text. Every change requires another model turn.
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Generation 3 (Interactive MCP Apps): Pairs each tool with a live workspace. Adjustments happen in the widget without a model turn, while the assistant stays in sync.
Building MCP Apps in Gemini delivers six benefits:
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Responsive user experience: Single-click actions execute directly in the panel without round-tripping through the chat.
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Purpose-built workflows: Deliver visual redaction views for legal review, 3D viewers for CAD, or sensitivity models for finance.
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Enterprise security: Workforce OAuth sign-in, private Cloud Run ingress, and a sandboxed iframe protect every layer.
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Human-in-the-loop governance: Experts inspect and approve high-stakes actions before execution.
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Open standard: Portable across compatible hosts, with automatic text fallback.
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Broad connectivity: Connect to BigQuery, Agent Platform, Cloud Storage, or internal ERP and CRM systems.
