Google’s Command-Line Tool Now Supports Extensions
▼ Summary
– Google launched Gemini CLI Extensions on Wednesday, allowing third-party companies like Figma and Stripe to integrate directly into its AI system.
– Unlike OpenAI’s curated ChatGPT apps, Gemini CLI extensions can be published without Google’s endorsement and are hosted on GitHub for manual installation by developers.
– A senior engineer emphasized the importance of an open ecosystem, stating the feature is designed to be fair and accessible for anyone to participate in.
– The first extension was for Google’s Nanobanana image generator, enabling users to create images directly from the Gemini CLI terminal after installation.
– Gemini CLI, launched in June and used by over one million users, primarily software developers, aims to become an extensibility platform connecting to various tools and instructions.
Google has significantly expanded the capabilities of its command-line AI tool, Gemini CLI, by introducing a new feature that supports third-party extensions. This move allows outside companies like Figma and Stripe to integrate their services directly into the AI environment. Dubbed Gemini CLI Extensions, this functionality launched with initial contributions from several prominent firms.
The announcement arrives shortly after OpenAI introduced third-party apps within ChatGPT, another effort to incorporate external systems into an AI platform. However, a key distinction lies in the approval process. While ChatGPT apps undergo strict curation, Gemini CLI extensions can be published without any direct endorsement or involvement from Google. Developers will find available extensions hosted in public GitHub repositories, requiring manual installation.
Taylor Mullen, a senior staff engineer working on the project, emphasized the importance of an open ecosystem. He stated that their approach is fundamentally based on creating a fair environment where anyone has the opportunity to participate.
The first extension made available was for Google’s own Nanobanana image generator, which appeared on GitHub last week. Once installed, this extension enables users to create images directly from the Gemini CLI terminal interface.
Since its initial launch in June, Gemini CLI has reportedly grown to surpass one million users, with its adoption heavily concentrated among software developers. It is notably employed in the development and upkeep of Google’s internal codebase, a process that is closely managed by product managers.
Ryan J. Salva, Google’s senior director of product management for developer tools, explained the strategic intent behind the new feature. He described the goal as transforming Gemini CLI into an extensibility platform that acts as a conduit, connecting users to a wide array of tools and instructions from across their development toolchain.
(Source: TechCrunch)
