Brief
Google has integrated the Opal platform — a no-code editor for building custom AI applications that Gemini calls Gems — into its large language tool Gemini. Now, in the web version, users can describe a task in natural language and the system will generate the logic and allow it to be debugged in a visual editor.
"Opal is a platform for building custom AI applications without code. Now users can create their own mini‑apps (Gems) for specific tasks directly in the web version of Gemini by describing them in natural language."
— Google, official blog
How it works
In short: you describe the required functionality — for example, "an assistant for preparing reports" or "a career consultant" — and Gemini, based on the description, proposes a sequence of steps, the logic, and integrations. In the visual editor these stages can be edited, combined, and tested — without writing code. All of this is combined with document support via NotebookLM. Google tested the web version of Opal back in July before rolling it out in Gemini.
Why it matters for Ukraine
Faster prototyping. Small and medium teams will be able to quickly create tools to automate routine processes — from report generation to data analysis.
Workforce accessibility. No-code tools lower the entry barrier: an analyst or a product manager can build a working prototype without involving a developer.
Education and re-skilling. Universities and educational projects will gain a simple way to teach practical AI and automation skills.
Defense and humanitarian benefits. Local organizations can more quickly configure tools for data collection and analysis, translation, logistics, or communications. It's not a panacea, but an additional resource in the digital security ecosystem.
Note on risks. Flexibility and speed are important, but critical applications require auditing: the handling of sensitive data, issues of storage and transmission — these are matters that IT departments and regulators must control.
What will change next
Opal reduces the cost of testing ideas: from concept to working prototype — a few iterations in days, not weeks. For Ukrainian startups, NGOs, and municipalities, this means faster deployment of operational solutions and less dependence on external development resources. Analysts note that such tools rapidly change the landscape of digital services, but success will depend on how responsibly they are used.
Conclusion
The integration of Opal into Gemini is not just a technological novelty; it's a tool for the broad democratization of creating AI solutions. The question is whether Ukrainian businesses and authorities can use this opportunity to accelerate digital transformation and enhance state resilience. Whether Gems will become an everyday tool for our teams depends on the decisions we make now.
