Google patents widgets that control multiple apps from one screen

1. A method comprising: determining an association between a first disparate software application and a second disparate software application of multiple disparate software applications; creating a multi-function widget, the multi-function widget including selectable controls to perform multiple functions including at least a first function and a second function of the multiple functions, the first function and the second function associated with the first and second disparate software applications, respectively, of the multiple disparate software applications; presenting, within a single user interface, at least the multi-function widget; enabling selection of a first of the selectable controls of the multi-function widget to perform the first function of the multiple functions; responsive to selection of the first of the selectable controls, directing first performance of the first function of the multiple functions through a first inter-process communication (IPC) with the first disparate software application of the multiple disparate software applications; enabling selection of a second of the selectable controls of the multi-function widget to perform the second function of the multiple functions; responsive to selection of the second of the selectable controls, directing second performance of the second function of the multiple functions through a second IPC with the second disparate software application of the multiple disparate software applications; and responsive to receiving a first result of the first performance and a second result of the second performance, presenting at least the second result within the single user interface.