Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and associated processes for generating recommendations for users based on usage, among other things. These systems and processes are described in the context of an interactive computing system that enables users to download applications for mobile devices (such as phones) or for other computing devices. Users' interactions with applications once they are downloaded can be observed and tracked, with such usage data being collected and provided to the interactive computing system. The interactive computing system can include a recommendation system or service that processes the usage data from a plurality of users to detect usage patterns. Using these usage patterns, among possibly other data, the recommendation system can recommend applications to users for download.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, computer systems and methods are provided that allow a game distribution platform to distribute, update and/or control copies of games published across multiple game portals. In some embodiments, copies of the games are maintained in data storage on the game distribution platform and distributed to game portals and/or gaming devices. Additional content for purchase may also be stored on the data storage and available for purchase during a gaming session. Advantageously, in certain embodiments the game distribution platform enables game portals and/or gaming devices to receive the latest version of a game and/or a player's purchased content when a player selects to play the game.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, computer systems and methods are provided that allow a game distribution platform to distribute, update and/or control copies of games published across multiple game portals. In some embodiments, copies of the games are maintained in data storage on the game distribution platform and distributed to game portals and/or gaming devices. Additional content for purchase may also be stored on the data storage and available for purchase during a gaming session. Advantageously, in certain embodiments the game distribution platform enables game portals and/or gaming devices to receive the latest version of a game and/or a player's purchased content when a player selects to play the game.

Abstract: An application management system modifies developer-submitted applications, such as mobile applications, to add various types of functionality before such applications are made available for purchase. The added functionality may, for example, enable end users to make in-application purchases of content items from an application store. As another example, Digital Rights Management (DRM) functionality may be added for controlling user access to content items, such as content items available in an application store.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering content is disclosed. A content download service initially registers client computing devices to receive content. Therefore, when the content download service receives a request from a requesting client computing device to download content to a receiving client computing device, the content or download instructions are sent to the receiving client computing device. Downloading is controlled by the content download service and a software agent installed on the receiving client computing devices when they are registered. Content request and content download occur over a computer network, such as the Internet. The content may be stored by the content download service and supplied to the receiving client computing device by the download service, or stored by a content supply service and supplied to the receiving client computing device either directly or via the content download service.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering content is disclosed. A content download service initially registers client computing devices to receive content. Therefore, when the content download service receives a request from a requesting client computing device to download content to a receiving client computing device, the content or download instructions are sent to the receiving client computing device. Downloading is controlled by the content download service and a software agent installed on the receiving client computing devices when they are registered. Content request and content download occur over a computer network, such as the Internet. The content may be stored by the content download service and supplied to the receiving client computing device by the download service, or stored by a content supply service and supplied to the receiving client computing device either directly or via the content download service.

Abstract: Metrics may be gathered at various points of a media distribution system as digital media files are being transmitted to client devices. The metrics may be analyzed to determine whether the media distribution system is performing at an appropriate level. If it is determined that the media distribution system is not performing at an appropriate level, configuration changes may be made to the media distribution system to improve performance. Examples of configuration changes may include changing the number of servers or server instances that are being utilized, changing the quality of the files that are being transmitted, changing the amount of CPU resources being used, adjusting client priorities, and so forth.

Abstract: Metrics may be gathered at various points of a media distribution system as digital media files are being transmitted to client devices. The metrics may be analyzed to determine whether the media distribution system is performing at an appropriate level. If it is determined that the media distribution system is not performing at an appropriate level, configuration changes may be made to the media distribution system to improve performance. Examples of configuration changes may include changing the number of servers or server instances that are being utilized, changing the quality of the files that are being transmitted, changing the amount of CPU resources being used, adjusting client priorities, and so forth.

Abstract: Systems and methods for time based management of digital content used with electronic devices lacking a connection to a common reference time keeping device are provided. Timing calibrations are used that, when applied to times measured by such disconnected electronic devices, allow the devices to calculate modified time measurements that are approximately equal to that of the reference time keeping device. The calibration time and other calibration information for the disconnected electronic devices may be stored by a digital content service and conveyed with digital content transferred from the digital content service to the disconnected electronic devices via portable data storage devices. In this manner, digital content may be consumed by a user on a plurality of disconnected electronic devices without violating license agreements associated with the digital content.

Abstract: Systems and methods for time based management of digital content used with electronic devices lacking a connection to a common reference time keeping device are provided. Timing calibrations are used that, when applied to times measured by such disconnected electronic devices, allow the devices to calculate modified time measurements that are approximately equal to that of the reference time keeping device. The calibration time and other calibration information for the disconnected electronic devices may be stored by a digital content service and conveyed with digital content transferred from the digital content service to the disconnected electronic devices via portable data storage devices. In this manner, digital content may be consumed by a user on a plurality of disconnected electronic devices without violating license agreements associated with the digital content.

Abstract: Systems and methods enable users to exchange content, such as chat text, with other users that are consuming video media. In one implementation, several users collectively group together to form a video session. The users in the video session each consume the same video media, and the video media is played on individual user computer devices in a synchronized manner. The users send chat text or other content to one another over a network using a computer user interface. The chat text or other content is superimposed over or otherwise merged with the synchronized video running on the individual user computer devices.