MCP plans a standard way to move files between agents and tools, and moves its spec to a six-month cycle

What changed: On 10 November, MCP's maintainers published an experimental extension for file uploads and downloads. The server asks for the file, the client uploads it directly, and the tool call runs again. They expect it to be stable "before the end of the year". On 11 November they set a six-month spec cycle and targeted the next version for 30 March 2027. Luca Chang joins as a release manager.

Why it matters: Today, an agent that hands a PDF or a CSV to a tool needs a custom workaround for each tool. A standard makes document agents for invoices or contracts cheaper to build. A fixed calendar tells you when the ground under them moves.

What to do: Nothing to rebuild yet: the extension is experimental, with no reference implementation. If you plan a document agent for Q1, keep its file handling thin until the extension is stable. Put 30 March 2027 in your calendar.