📅

Integrating Google Calendar and Gmail with Cloud Desktop

Apr 18, 2025

Lecture Notes: Google Calendar and Gmail Integration with Cloud Desktop

Overview

  • Discussion on new integrations of Google Calendar and Gmail with Cloud Desktop.
  • Exploration of building better versions individually or by cloning existing versions.

Google Calendar and Gmail Integration

  • Cloud Desktop features a "Snoop Connect apps" button for app integration.
  • Integrates Google Drive, Google Calendar, Gmail.
  • Gmail can search and reference emails but cannot send emails.
    • Example interaction: Reading latest email (from Zoom).
    • Unable to access or modify Gmail filters.

Limitations of Integration

  • Gmail integration cannot send emails or modify filters.
  • Google Calendar integration attempts to schedule but fails due to confusion with existing MCP server.

MCP Servers

  • MCP servers can offer more functionalities than Cloud Desktop's integrations.
    • Examples: Sending emails, drafting emails, managing labels.
  • Importance of verifying MCP servers to avoid malicious code.
    • Continuous process due to potential updates adding malicious code.

Building and Using Custom MCP Servers

  • Suggested to build or clone MCP servers for security and control.
  • Use MCP Evaluator V3 to assess community-made servers for safety.
    • Evaluation criteria include checking for malicious code and API endpoints.

Steps to Clone and Run MCP Servers Locally

  1. Clone the Repository:

    • Use a tool like Git to clone an existing MCP server repository.
    • Example was given with Gong Ros MCP server.

  2. Setup Google API Credentials:

    • Create a project in Google API Console, enable Gmail API.
    • Configure OAuth consent screen and create credentials.

  3. Local Authentication:

    • Place downloaded credentials (JSON file) in the root directory.
    • Authenticate locally to maintain control.

  4. Update Cloud Desktop Config:

    • Add local MCP server path to Cloud Desktop configuration.

  5. Testing the Setup:

    • Example test: Sending an email using the locally hosted MCP server.
    • Ensuring the email draft and sending functionalities work.

Conclusion

  • Official Google integrations are limited, posed for safety.
  • Community MCP servers offer extended capabilities but require careful vetting and local hosting to mitigate risks.
  • Subscribers are encouraged to engage with the content and provide feedback.

Ensure to understand the risks and conduct proper evaluations when using or modifying third-party tools and code. Always maintain a balance between functionality and security.

Full transcript