Google has unveiled a groundbreaking AI tool named Opal, enabling users to develop basic applications without writing any code.
The platform launched last Thursday, following Amazon Web Services' recent release of its AI-powered IDE called Kiro just weeks prior.
Opal's workflow begins with an AI interface similar to ChatGPT. Users input natural language descriptions of tasks their applications should perform, along with required data sources and external tool integrations.
The service automatically generates functional applications from this information. Once complete, users can share these creations via a dedicated button in the top-right corner, distributing them through shared links resembling Google Docs.
A visual editor allows pre-deployment modifications by representing applications as interconnected cards on a digital canvas. Input cards define data sources while processing cards handle data transformation logic.
This visual system supports multi-step workflows. For instance, users might create product descriptions followed by promotional videos, customizing execution parameters through natural language commands within the editor.
"Opal translates your application description into multi-step workflows with distinct input, processing and output stages," explained product manager Elle Zadina in a demo video. "You can click any step to view or edit its underlying instructions directly."
Built on multiple AI models, Opal likely leverages Google's Gemini 2.5 Pro - a large language model excelling at coding tasks that recently set benchmarks on LMArena coding metrics. However, the company may utilize a more efficient model for energy optimization since Opal focuses on simple applications.
Video generation capabilities probably employ one of Google's Veo algorithms. The platform initially offers over six pre-built application templates ranging from consumer-focused game design tools to business applications for marketing materials and product research.
Currently available through an open beta program in the US, Opal resides within Google Labs - the tech giant's experimental hub hosting over twenty AI-powered tools automating tasks from web searches to UI design.
