Abstract: Techniques for synchronization points for state information are described. In at least some embodiments, synchronization points are employed to propagate state information among different processing threads. A synchronization point, for example, can be employed to propagate state information among different independently-executing threads. Accordingly, in at least some embodiments, synchronization points serve as inter-thread communications among different independently-executing threads.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide techniques for direct manipulation of content. The direct manipulation of content can provide an intuitive way for a user to access and interact with content. In at least some embodiments, content manipulation is “direct” in that content displayed in a user interface (e.g., one or more Web pages in a Web browser interface) can be moved in and/or out of the user interface in a direction that corresponds to user-initiated physical movements, such as the user dragging or flicking the content with the user's finger or some other type of input device.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a target element zoom component that is configured to perform a focal point zoom operation on a target element using an appropriate zoom factor. In at least some embodiments, the target element zoom component receives a request to perform a zoom operation at a focal point of a target element in a page displayed in a display area. In at least some embodiments, the request is received via two-finger tap input on a screen of a touch enabled device. The target element zoom component then determines an appropriate zoom factor for the zoom operation. Responsive to determining the appropriate zoom factor, the target element zoom component performs the zoom operation on the page using the appropriate zoom factor so that the target element remains within the display area with the focal point retained.

Abstract: Techniques for synchronization points for state information are described. In at least some embodiments, synchronization points are employed to propagate state information among different processing threads. A synchronization point, for example, can be employed to propagate state information among different independently-executing threads. Accordingly, in at least some embodiments, synchronization points serve as inter-thread communications among different independently-executing threads.

Abstract: Techniques for surface caching are described in which a cache for surfaces is provided to enable existing surfaces to be reused. Surfaces in the cache can be assigned to one of multiple surface lists used to service requests for surfaces. The multiple lists can include at least a main list and an auxiliary list configured to group existing surfaces according to corresponding surface constraints. When a surface is requested, the multiple lists can be searched to find an existing surface based on constraints including, for example, the type of surface and size requirements for the requested surface. If an existing surface is discovered, the existing surface can be returned to service the request. If a suitable surface is not found in the multiple lists, a new surface is created for the request and the new surface can be added to a corresponding one of the multiple surface lists.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a target element zoom component that is configured to perform a focal point zoom operation on a target element using an appropriate zoom factor. In at least some embodiments, the target element zoom component receives a request to perform a zoom operation at a focal point of a target element in a page displayed in a display area. In at least some embodiments, the request is received via two-finger tap input on a screen of a touch enabled device. The target element zoom component then determines an appropriate zoom factor for the zoom operation. Responsive to determining the appropriate zoom factor, the target element zoom component performs the zoom operation on the page using the appropriate zoom factor so that the target element remains within the display area with the focal point retained.

Abstract: Techniques for surface caching are described in which a cache for surfaces is provided to enable existing surfaces to be reused. Surfaces in the cache can be assigned to one of multiple surface lists used to service requests for surfaces. The multiple lists can include at least a main list and an auxiliary list configured to group existing surfaces according to corresponding surface constraints. When a surface is requested, the multiple lists can be searched to find an existing surface based on constraints including, for example, the type of surface and size requirements for the requested surface. If an existing surface is discovered, the existing surface can be returned to service the request. If a suitable surface is not found in the multiple lists, a new surface is created for the request and the new surface can be added to a corresponding one of the multiple surface lists.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a target element zoom component that is configured to perform a focal point zoom operation on a target element using an appropriate zoom factor. In at least some embodiments, the target element zoom component receives a request to perform a zoom operation at a focal point of a target element in a page displayed in a display area. In at least some embodiments, the request is received via two-finger tap input on a screen of a touch enabled device. The target element zoom component then determines an appropriate zoom factor for the zoom operation. Responsive to determining the appropriate zoom factor, the target element zoom component performs the zoom operation on the page using the appropriate zoom factor so that the target element remains within the display area with the focal point retained.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a target element zoom component that is configured to perform a focal point zoom operation on a target element using an appropriate zoom factor. In at least some embodiments, the target element zoom component receives a request to perform a zoom operation at a focal point of a target element in a page displayed in a display area. In at least some embodiments, the request is received via two-finger tap input on a screen of a touch enabled device. The target element zoom component then determines an appropriate zoom factor for the zoom operation. Responsive to determining the appropriate zoom factor, the target element zoom component performs the zoom operation on the page using the appropriate zoom factor so that the target element remains within the display area with the focal point retained.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a focal point zoom component that is configured to perform a focal point zoom operation. In at least some embodiments, the focal point zoom component receives a request to perform a zoom operation at a focal point of an element in a page displayed in a display area. The focal point zoom component then performs the zoom operation on the page so that a location of the focal point relative to the element and to the display area is retained.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide techniques for direct manipulation of content. The direct manipulation of content can provide an intuitive way for a user to access and interact with content. In at least some embodiments, content manipulation is “direct” in that content displayed in a user interface (e.g., one or more Web pages in a Web browser interface) can be moved in and/or out of the user interface in a direction that corresponds to user-initiated physical movements, such as the user dragging or flicking the content with the user's finger or some other type of input device.

Abstract: A navigation tool permits access between separate program modules by communicating state information between each program. By communicating state information between separate program modules, it is possible for a user to access previous screens of data, irrespective of the program module which generated the display, or to advance to previous screens of data if the user has already accessed a previous display. In other words, interactions between separate program modules become seamless in presentation to the user, analogous to how information can be displayed with a internet browser or as if separate program modules were operating under a common shell.