Google Plans to Add MCP Integration to Opal: A Game Changer for No-Code AI Automation

The world of AI agent-building is entering a new phase as Google tests MCP (Model Context Protocol) support for its Opal workflow builder. By introducing MCP, Google is taking aim at OpenAI's Agent Builder and signaling its intent to lead in flexible, no-code automation. This move could unlock richer integrations and more robust workflows for creators and teams.

Opal’s Expansion: A Strategic Rollout

Initially available to US users as an experimental lab product, Opal has expanded to 15 additional countries. This gradual approach reflects Google’s strategy to balance growth with gathering critical feedback and ensuring infrastructure readiness. Such measured expansion sets the stage for advanced features like MCP integration to reach a global audience.

Understanding MCP: Unlocking New Possibilities

MCP allows seamless integration of third-party services and custom tools directly into Opal workflows. For no-code and low-code creators, this means automations can now interact with external APIs and tools going far beyond Google’s native suite. While OpenAI already champions MCP in its own agentic platform, Google's adoption is a strategic step to close competitive gaps and empower users.

• Directly connect workflows to services like Google Calendar or bespoke APIs
• Enable custom MCPs for unique workflow needs
• Boost automation and cross-platform connectivity all without backend coding

Why Opal Stands Out

Opal’s focus on multimodal creation (generating user interfaces, images, audio, and video) already makes it a standout in the agent-building space. The addition of MCP support could further democratize advanced automation, letting users orchestrate tasks across a growing ecosystem of tools. This combination of flexibility and power is designed to make agent-building accessible and compelling for everyone from individuals to enterprise teams.

Early Days for MCP in Opal

Currently, MCP support in Opal is in the early testing phase. The settings interface reveals incomplete elements and placeholders, with no official release date announced. Early adopters spotted the feature through interface exploration, highlighting Google’s rapid iteration cycle. While not yet ready for prime time, these developments point to an accelerating pace of innovation.

Industry Impact: Google’s Broader Ambitions

Adding MCP integration reflects Google’s ambition to capture a larger share of the automation and creator tooling markets. By enhancing extensibility and third-party integrations, Google is responding to the growing demand for smarter, more connected no-code solutions. This is not just about matching OpenAI, it’s about enabling the next generation of creators to work more efficiently and creatively.

An Exciting Road Ahead

Google’s investment in Opal and MCP is a clear signal of its commitment to innovation in the agent-building space. Although a public launch date is still unknown, the implications for creators, teams, and organizations are significant. As competition intensifies between Google and OpenAI, users can expect rapid advancements and even more powerful automation tools in the near future.

Source: TestingCatalog