Abstract: Adaptive loading of images is described. In some implementations, the process of loading of images by a computing device can be adapted to account for image size, image load times and/or user behavior. In some implementations, the process of preloading of images can be adapted to account for image size and/or user behavior. In some implementations, presentation of an image loading indicator can be adapted to account for image size and/or amount of time required to load an image.

Abstract: Adaptive loading of images is described. In some implementations, the process of loading of images by a computing device can be adapted to account for image size, image load times and/or user behavior. In some implementations, the process of preloading of images can be adapted to account for image size and/or user behavior. In some implementations, presentation of an image loading indicator can be adapted to account for image size and/or amount of time required to load an image.

Abstract: Summarizing a set of reviews is disclosed. In some embodiments, a set of reviews is analyzed, e.g., by an at least partially automated process. A summary of the information included in the set of reviews is provided. The summary includes a visual indication of a range and distribution of opinions expressed in the set of reviews. In some embodiments, the set of reviews includes reviews from one or more members of an online or other user community, such as customers of an online store, subscribers to a podcast, blog, or other online source of content, etc.

Abstract: Managing online content via user supplied and/or refined tagging is disclosed. In some embodiments, a selection of an item available from an online store is received, and one or more tags to be associated with the item are received from a member of an online community comprising users of the online store. In some embodiments, an indication of a degree of usefulness of a tag is received from a member of an online community, and an attribute of the tag is updated to reflect the indication.

Abstract: Representing activity in an online store is disclosed. Information associated with the activities of a second visitor to the store is received. An indication of the presence of a first visitor at the store is also received. The activities of the second visitor are displayed to the first visitor.

Abstract: A computing environment for hosting web services and applications is disclosed. The computing resources of the computing environment can be managed, controlled or utilized to facilitate improved hosting of web services, such as hosting of websites. According to one aspect, Universal Resource Locators (URLs) can be programmatically defined and utilized to centralize URL descriptions which can be utilized by the computing resources. According to another aspect, customized load balancing can be provided for the computing environment.

Abstract: Improved techniques that enable control of responsiveness to user movement of a pointing device with respect to a graphical user interface are disclosed. According to one embodiment, by controlling responsiveness, a friction effect can be imposed at predetermined regions of the graphical user interface. According to another embodiment, by controlling responsiveness, a gravitational effect can be imposed at predetermined regions of the graphical user interface. According to still another embodiment, by controlling responsiveness, frictional and gravitational effects can be imposed at predetermined regions of the graphical user interface. The responsiveness control, e.g., frictional effect and/or gravitational effect, can be used to enhance user interaction with the graphical user interface. For example, user controls, such as buttons, boxes, borders, boundaries, etc.

Abstract: Providing a recommendation of one or more items is disclosed. In some embodiments, a selection of a set of one or more items to be included in a recommendation is received from a first member of an online community, and the recommendation is stored so that the recommendation can be presented to a second member of the online community when an indication is received that the recommendation is of interest to the second member.

Abstract: Managing online content via user supplied and/or refined tagging is disclosed. In some embodiments, a selection of an item available from an online store is received, and one or more tags to be associated with the item are received from a member of an online community comprising users of the online store. In some embodiments, an indication of a degree of usefulness of a tag is received from a member of an online community, and an attribute of the tag is updated to reflect the indication.

Abstract: Improved approaches to manage cache data for applications operating in a data center environment are disclosed. Data requests incoming over a network are able to be responded to by an application in a consistent and rapid manner through intelligent management of cache data. When like applications are being concurrently operated, such as at a data center, cache data established by one application can be made available for use by another like application. As a result, cache data available to a given application is more likely to be useful to the application, particularly when the application has just been started (or restarted).

Abstract: Providing a comparison of a set of similar items includes: receiving from a first member of an online community a selection of a stored prior comparison created by another online community member of a set of similar items; providing to the first member a template for the comparison, the template being at least partially pre-populated using data from the stored prior comparison created by the other online community member; and receiving from the first member a submission of the comparison, wherein the comparison includes one or more modifications as made by the first member to the template.

Abstract: Providing a comparison of a set of similar items includes: receiving from a first member of an online community a selection of a stored prior comparison created by another online community member of a set of similar items; providing to the first member a template for the comparison, the template being at least partially pre-populated using data from the stored prior comparison created by the other online community member; and receiving from the first member a submission of the comparison, wherein the comparison includes one or more modifications as made by the first member to the template.

Abstract: Providing a comparison of a set of similar items is disclosed. In some embodiments, a selection of a set of similar items to be included in a comparison is received from a first member of an online community, and the comparison is stored so that the comparison can be presented to a second member of the online community when an indication is received that the comparison is of interest to the second member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for refetching data to store in a cache are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method includes identifying a speculative set that identifies at least a first element that is associated with a cache. The first element has at least a first representation in the cache that is suitable for updating. The method also includes issuing a request to obtain the first element from a data source, opening a channel to the data source, obtaining the first element from the data source using the channel, and closing the channel. Finally, the method includes updating the first representation associated with the first element in the cache.

Abstract: Representing activity in an online store is disclosed. Information associated with the activities of a second visitor to the store is received. An indication of the presence of a first visitor at the store is also received. The activities of the second visitor are displayed to the first visitor.

Abstract: Techniques for improved methods for editing dynamic web pages or other online content are disclosed. In one embodiment, a user, such as an administrator, can access a web page via a local client application (e.g., web browser) and can edit the web page without knowledge of the configuration by which data for the web page is stored at a remote server.

Abstract: A computing environment for hosting web services and applications is disclosed. The computing resources of the computing environment can be managed, controlled or utilized to facilitate improved hosting of web services, such as hosting of websites. According to one aspect, Universal Resource Locators (URLs) can be programmatically defined and utilized to centralize URL descriptions which can be utilized by the computing resources. According to another aspect, customized load balancing can be provided for the computing environment.

Abstract: Representing activity in an online store is disclosed. Information associated with the activities of a second visitor to the store is received. An indication of the presence of a first visitor at the store is also received. The activities of the second visitor are displayed to the first visitor.

Abstract: Improved approaches to manage cache data for applications operating in a data center environment are disclosed. Data requests incoming over a network are able to be responded to by an application in a consistent and rapid manner through intelligent management of cache data. When like applications are being concurrently operated, such as at a data center, cache data established by one application can be made available for use by another like application. As a result, cache data available to a given application is more likely to be useful to the application, particularly when the application has just been started (or restarted).

Abstract: Improved techniques that enable slider detents to be implemented are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method includes determining when a user interface control displayed on a display screen has been selected. The user interface control is moved at a speed that is imparted by a pointing device. The method also includes displaying a position indication on the display screen that represents current positions of the pointing device and the user interface control, and determining whether the current position is in a zone of slowed movement. A first set of information is provided to the pointing device when the current position is in the zone of slowed movement. The first set of information reduces the speed. A second set of information is provided to the pointing device when the current position is not in the zone of slowed movement. The second set of information maintains the speed.