[Content] Clarify phrasing for "Integrations / Matrix apps / Widgets / Widgets, bridges and bots"

[niquewoodhouse]

We currently use different wording on iOS, Android and web for what leads to something called 'integrations'. To make the mobile ones consistent we need to know what's the right current phrasing to use.

iOS vs Android

[nadonomy]

Suggestion from @kittykat: Extensions

[nadonomy]

@kittykat Self nominated stakeholders for picking a term we can stick to in the long term: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YSqnvkEpSY0JL0l06pWtuSBwmojN9yMqejSh7y9A9-I/edit?disco=AAAAVxB71hI

[rxl881]

It would be great to see some formal definition for this terminology. To kick start the conversation, I currently see it as a hierarchy with "Integrations" at the top level. Integrations include various categories, including:

• Bots - text / messages based agents that generate and respond to events.
• Bridges - Integrations that pass messages and events between platforms (outside of Matrix)
• Widgets / Applications - Graphical interfaces for embedding content, dynamic applications or controls for managing displaying Matrix events within Element clients.
• Extensions - (typically complex) extensions to core Matrix (homeserver and client) functionality. Examples include things like:
  • Custom Synapse modules - billing / authentication / advanced user permissions management / custom integrations with third-party systems or infrastructure
  • Group Sync
  • Delegated authentication

@ara4n / @nadonomy -- Do you have any objections to using this as the classification system?

[nadonomy]

That breakdown is really helpful, thx!

My major concern is the highest level descriptor. I really like the suggestion of using 'Extensions' instead of 'Integrations', as it's the most intuitive for laypeople and borrows knowledge from other systems like web browsers.

I haven't connected the dots on how we repatriate any of this with installing, managing and purchasing integrations in an 'App Store' like experience in future. Are we resolute on using 'App Store'? I know it's historically been a point of trademark litigation from Apple too.