Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus include computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, including a method for providing content. Search results responsive to a query are identified including a first search result in a top set of search results, the first search result associated with a first entity. A first eligible content item is identified for presentation along with the search results, the first eligible content item associated with the first entity. A combined content item is identified that is a combination of the first search result and first eligible content item and is to be presented as a search result responsive to the query. The combined content item is augmented including: identifying entities related to the first entity, identifying content items that are associated with the related entities, selecting at least one identified content item, and using content from the selected content items to augment the combined content item.

Abstract: A computer system operates to receive transport service requests from computing devices of requesters within a geographic region. The system matches each transport service request with an available transport provider operating a service vehicle within the geographic region, and determines a location bias for a first transport provider that operates a corresponding vehicle within the geographic region, the location bias being associated with a preferred location of the first transport provider. The system may then match the first transport provider to a transport service request based on (i) the location bias of the first transport provider, and (ii) a destination of the transport service request which, upon fulfilling the transport service request, results in the first transport provider being positioned to arrive at the preferred location within a future time interval.

Abstract: A computer system operates to receive transport service requests from computing devices of requesters within a geographic region. The system matches each transport service request with an available transport provider operating a service vehicle within the geographic region, and determines a location bias for a first transport provider that operates a corresponding vehicle within the geographic region, the location bias being associated with a preferred location of the first transport provider. The system may then match the first transport provider to a transport service request based on (i) the location bias of the first transport provider, and (ii) a destination of the transport service request which, upon fulfilling the transport service request, results in the first transport provider being positioned to arrive at the preferred location within a future time interval.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus include computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, including a method for providing content. A search query is received. Search results responsive to the query are identified, including identifying a first search result in a top set of search results that is associated with a brand. Based at least in part on the query, one or more eligible content items are identified for delivery along with the search results responsive to the query. A determination is made as to when at least one of the eligible content items is associated with a same brand as the brand associated with the first search result. The first search result and one of the determined at least one eligible content items are combined into a combined content item and providing the combined content item as a search result responsive to the request.

Abstract: A system can provide a set of expedition proposals that are each selectable by a service provider on a user interface of a computing device to commit the service provider to an expedition. Each expedition can be associated with a configured sequence of tasks to be performed for a given amount of time. Based on a selection of an expedition proposal from the set of expedition proposals, the system can initiate a corresponding expedition for the service provider by (i) matching the service provider with a sequence of tasks, and (ii) transmitting route data to the computing device to cause the user interface on the computing device to display route information for sequential destination locations for the sequence of tasks.

Abstract: A network computing system can configure sets of expedition proposals for service providers, which are each selectable to commit the service provider to a dynamic expedition coordinated in real-time by the network computing system. Partitioned service areas may be scored in accordance with utilization conditions, and a dynamic trajectory can be generated based on the scored service areas for individual service providers. The network computing system can provide navigation instructions to the service provider along an updated recommended route based on the dynamic trajectory, until expiration of the dynamic expedition.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for distributing content items. In one aspect, a method includes presenting an immersive content item at a client device. The immersive content item includes a first presentation interface that includes a scrollable image portion that presents an image having a first interaction point and a preview graphic indicating the availability of other images for presentation. The immersive content item also includes a second presentation interface that is initiated upon interaction with the first interaction point. The second presentation interface includes a scrollable image portion that presents an image from a plurality of images and an image sequencing indicator.

Abstract: A computer system operates to receive transport service requests from computing devices of requesters within a geographic region. The system matches each transport service request with an available transport provider operating a service vehicle within the geographic region, and determines a location bias for a first transport provider that operates a corresponding vehicle within the geographic region, the location bias being associated with a preferred location of the first transport provider. The system may then match the first transport provider to a transport service request based on (i) the location bias of the first transport provider, and (ii) a destination of the transport service request which, upon fulfilling the transport service request, results in the first transport provider being positioned to arrive at the preferred location within a future time interval.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus include computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, including a method for providing content. Search results responsive to a query are identified including a first search result in a top set of search results, the first search result associated with a first entity. A first eligible content item is identified for presentation along with the search results, the first eligible content item associated with the first entity. A combined content item is identified that is a combination of the first search result and first eligible content item and is to be presented as a search result responsive to the query. The combined content item is augmented including: identifying entities related to the first entity, identifying content items that are associated with the related entities, selecting at least one identified content item, and using content from the selected content items to augment the combined content item.

Abstract: A network computer system operates to estimate a quantity of service vehicles operating in a geographic region during a future time interval. For the future time interval, the network computer system determines a current forecast of a provisioning level for a service provided by the projected quantity of service vehicles in each of multiple subregions of the geographic region. The network computer system also determines a location bias for one or more service providers, each operating a corresponding vehicle within the given geographic region. Additionally, the network computer system matches each service provider to a service request based on (i) the location bias of the service provider, (ii) a service location of the service request, and (iii) a determination as to an effect of matching the service provider on the current forecast for the provisioning level.

Abstract: A network computer system operates to monitor a plurality of requester devices to detect activities of requesters, and activities of transportation providers. Based on the monitored activities, the system forecasts a number of requesters that may be present in each of multiple subregions of a given geographic region, during an upcoming time interval. The system further estimates a target number of transportation providers to have available for requesters in each of the subregions. The system determines a supplemental value set for crediting transportation providers, in connection with each individual transport provider performing one or more activities that make the transport provider available to one or more of the multiple subregions during the upcoming time interval.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus include computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, including a method for providing content. A search query is received. Search results responsive to the query are identified, including identifying a first search result in a top set of search results that is associated with a brand. Based at least in part on the query, one or more eligible content items are identified for delivery along with the search results responsive to the query. A determination is made as to when at least one of the eligible content items is associated with a same brand as the brand associated with the first search result. The first search result and one of the determined at least one eligible content items are combined into a combined content item and providing the combined content item as a search result responsive to the request.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus include computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, including a method for providing content. A search query is received. Search results responsive to the query are identified, including identifying a first search result in a top set of search results that is associated with a brand. Based at least in part on the query, one or more eligible content items are identified for delivery along with the search results responsive to the query. A determination is made as to when at least one of the eligible content items is associated with a same brand as the brand associated with the first search result. The first search result and one of the determined at least one eligible content items are combined into a combined content item and providing the combined content item as a search result responsive to the request.

Abstract: A network computing system can configure sets of expedition proposals for service providers, which are each selectable to commit the service provider to a dynamic expedition coordinated in real-time by the network computing system. Partitioned service areas may be scored in accordance with utilization conditions, and a dynamic trajectory can be generated based on the scored service areas for individual service providers. The network computing system can provide navigation instructions to the service provider along an updated recommended route based on the dynamic trajectory, until expiration of the dynamic expedition.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus include computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, including a method for providing content. One or more content items are identified that are eligible to be presented in response to received requests in accordance with one or more selection criteria. One of the content items includes one or more parameters that can be varied. A range is identified over which a parameter of the one or more parameters is variable, and a subset of the range is identified, wherein the subset is less than the entire range. A request for content is received that is satisfied by the content item. The content item is prepared, including randomly selecting a value for the parameter that is within the subset of the range. At least one performance aspect associated with the prepared one content item is monitored.

Abstract: A network computer system operates to estimate a quantity of service vehicles operating in a geographic region during a future time interval. For the future time interval, the network computer system determines a current forecast of a provisioning level for a service provided by the projected quantity of service vehicles in each of multiple subregions of the geographic region. The network computer system also determines a location bias for one or more service providers, each operating a corresponding vehicle within the given geographic region. Additionally, the network computer system matches each service provider to a service request based on (i) the location bias of the service provider, (ii) a service location of the service request, and (iii) a determination as to an effect of matching the service provider on the current forecast for the provisioning level.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus include computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, including a method for providing content. A search query is received. Search results responsive to the query are identified, including identifying a first search result in a top set of search results that is associated with a brand. Based at least in part on the query, one or more eligible content items are identified for delivery along with the search results responsive to the query. A determination is made as to when at least one of the eligible content items is associated with a same brand as the brand associated with the first search result. The first search result and one of the determined at least one eligible content items are combined into a combined content item and providing the combined content item as a search result responsive to the request.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus include computer programs encoded on a computer-readable storage medium, including a method for providing content. A search query is received. Search results responsive to the query are identified, including identifying a first search result in a top set of search results that is associated with a brand. Based at least in part on the query, one or more eligible content items are identified for delivery along with the search results responsive to the query. A determination is made as to when at least one of the eligible content items is associated with a same brand as the brand associated with the first search result. The first search result and one of the determined at least one eligible content items are combined into a combined content item and providing the combined content item as a search result responsive to the request.