Widgets Working Group (matrix-conf-2026)

Matrix Widgets have been part of the Matrix universe for years — But: What is a Widget? What is its definition, taxonomy and specification? Why Widgets makes sense in times of AI? Why Widgets make sense while matrix is getting more complicated on the client side? The newly founded Matrix Widgets Working Group of the Foundation is tackling this: aligning on definitions, mapping use cases, and building the foundation for a flourishing widget and app ecosystem across all Matrix clients. In this talk we share the Working Group's goals, current status, and latest results — and invite anybody to get involved. Matrix Widgets have long been an underutilised part of the ecosystem — powerful in theory, but held back by fragmented definitions, limited discoverability, and inconsistent client support. At Matrix Summit 2026, a group of community members came together to change that. The newly founded Matrix Widgets Working Group of the Matrix Foundation is taking on the challenge: establishing a shared taxonomy for what a "Widget" actually is, mapping user needs and use cases, and laying the groundwork for a thriving app ecosystem — including a widget catalogue or App Store that makes widgets accessible and trustworthy for all Matrix clients and users. In this talk, we will share: - Why we founded the WG and what problem we are solving - Our working definition of Matrix Widgets and how it differs from what exists today - The key topics the WG is working on: Discovery & Distribution, Developer Experience, Mobile Support, and more Current results, open questions, and how you can get involved Whether you are a client developer, a widget builder, or simply curious about the future of apps in Matrix — this talk is for you. Licensed to the public under https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ about this event: https://cfp.2026.matrix.org/matrix-conference-2026/talk/ZAMKVT/