Abstract: Reversible connectors for accessory devices are described. In one or more implementations, a connector cable for an accessory of a host computing device is configured such that a head of the connector cable may be plugged into a corresponding port of the host in either orientation (straight or reverse). The host computing device is configured to sample signals associated with allocated pins of the connector to detect connection of the connector to an accessory port and to ascertain an orientation of the connector. A combination of high and low values of signals conveyed via these allocated pins upon insertion of the connector may be used by a controller of the host to distinguish between different types of devices and to resolve the orientation of the connector cable. A switching mechanism of the host computing device may then be configured to automatically route signals accordingly.

Abstract: Sounds sensed by a microphone of a device include sounds from a cooling fan of the device that varies based on the speed of the cooling fan, and other sounds used by a program of the device such as voice inputs. The sound level of sounds used by the program is determined, and the speed of the fan is adjusted so that a desired cooling level is attained while keeping the fan speed low enough that the noise from the fan does not interfere with the sounds used by the program.

Abstract: Reversible connectors for accessory devices are described. In one or more implementations, a connector cable for an accessory of a host computing device is configured such that a head of the connector cable may be plugged into a corresponding port of the host in either orientation (straight or reverse). The host computing device is configured to sample signals associated with allocated pins of the connector to detect connection of the connector to an accessory port and to ascertain an orientation of the connector. A combination of high and low values of signals conveyed via these allocated pins upon insertion of the connector may be used by a controller of the host to distinguish between different types of devices and to resolve the orientation of the connector cable. A switching mechanism of the host computing device may then be configured to automatically route signals accordingly.

Abstract: Sounds sensed by a microphone of a device include sounds from a cooling fan of the device that varies based on the speed of the cooling fan, and other sounds used by a program of the device such as voice inputs. The sound level of sounds used by the program is determined, and the speed of the fan is adjusted so that a desired cooling level is attained while keeping the fan speed low enough that the noise from the fan does not interfere with the sounds used by the program.

Abstract: Reversible connectors for accessory devices are described. In one or more implementations, a connector cable for an accessory of a host computing device is configured such that a head of the connector cable may be plugged into a corresponding port of the host in either orientation (straight or reverse). The host computing device is configured to sample signals associated with allocated pins of the connector to detect connection of the connector to an accessory port and to ascertain an orientation of the connector. A combination of high and low values of signals conveyed via these allocated pins upon insertion of the connector may be used by a controller of the host to distinguish between different types of devices and to resolve the orientation of the connector cable. A switching mechanism of the host computing device may then be configured to automatically route signals accordingly.

Abstract: Power management contracts for accessory devices are described. In one or more implementations, a power management contract is established for a system including a host computing device and an accessory device based at least in part upon power exchange conditions observed for the system. The power management contracts define operating constraints for power exchange between components of the system, including at least a power exchange direction and current limits. The host computing device and accessory devices are each configured to renegotiate the power management contract to dynamically change operating constraints in “real-time.” Additionally, different power management contracts may be associated with identifying data corresponding to different types of accessory devices.

Abstract: An electronic connector includes a base, a tapered extension protruding from the base, and a nose forming a terminal end of the tapered extension. The tapered extension includes first and second connection faces tapering toward each other from the base to the nose symmetrically about a first symmetry plane. The tapered extension further includes first and second flank surfaces that form respective opposing sides of the tapered extension between the first and second connection faces. The first and second flank surfaces may taper toward each other from the base to the nose symmetrically about a second symmetry plane. The tapered extension further includes power and ground electrical contacts located along the first and second connection faces.

Abstract: An electronic connector includes a base, an extension protruding from the base, and a nose forming a terminal end of the extension. The extension includes first and second connection faces and ground electrical contacts located along the first and second connection faces.

Abstract: An electronic connector includes a base, a tapered extension protruding from the base, and a nose forming a terminal end of the tapered extension. The tapered extension includes first and second connection faces tapering toward each other from the base to the nose symmetrically about a first symmetry plane. The tapered extension further includes first and second flank surfaces that form respective opposing sides of the tapered extension between the first and second connection faces. The first and second flank surfaces may taper toward each other from the base to the nose symmetrically about a second symmetry plane. The tapered extension further includes power and ground electrical contacts located along the first and second connection faces.

Abstract: An electronic connector includes a base, a tapered extension protruding from the base, and a nose forming a terminal end of the tapered extension. The tapered extension includes first and second connection faces tapering toward each other from the base to the nose symmetrically about a first symmetry plane. The tapered extension further includes first and second flank surfaces that form respective opposing sides of the tapered extension between the first and second connection faces. The first and second flank surfaces may taper toward each other from the base to the nose symmetrically about a second symmetry plane. The tapered extension further includes a set of electrical contacts located along the first and second connection faces. The electronic connector may further include one or more magnetically attractable elements.

Abstract: Accessory device power management techniques are described in which a power exchange state for a system including a host computing device, an accessory device, and an adapter is recognized. Power exchange states may be defined according to relative states of charge (RSOC) and connection status for the system components and mapped to power management control actions. Responsive to the recognition of a current power exchange state, corresponding power management control actions may be ascertained and applied to jointly manage power for the system. For instance, the host device may draw supplemental power from a power source associated with an accessory device (e.g., a battery or power adapter) or supply power for use by the accessory device according to different states. Power exchanges may also be managed in accordance with capabilities of the accessory device identified based on authentication of the accessory device.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for generating a linearized pressure sensor pattern for a pressure sensor. Force may be applied to a pressure sensor sample, comprising the pressure sensor without conductors. A patch, comprising an area of contact between a top and bottom surface of the sensor sample, can be measured, which corresponds to the applied force. Patch measurements can be made for respective applied force intervals, resulting in one or more indications of applied force, respectively corresponding to an indication of a patch measurement. The linearized pressure sensor pattern can be generated using the one or more force indications and corresponding patch measurement indications.

Abstract: A slave device to be connected to a master device by a data line comprises circuitry that, in response to receiving a command from the master device, drives a bit sequence comprising at least one zero.

Abstract: A shield can is described. In one or more implementations, a shield can includes a frame configured to be installed on a printed circuit board. The shield can also includes a lid configured to be connected to the frame after installation of the frame to form the shield can over one or more components that are installed on the PCB.

Abstract: A multi-drop serial bus to connect a master device to a plurality of slave devices on a data line includes a voltage divider network, comprising divider resistors in series on the data line between slave devices, and a voltage sensing device, connected to the data line, configured to detect a voltage order of signals from the slave devices, indicating a position of connection of each slave device.

Abstract: In embodiments of capacitive touch controls lockout, a computing device includes a touch-screen display for user interaction, and includes one or more capacitive touch controls for user selection as a device input to initiate a device action. The computing device also includes a lockout service that is implemented to disable one or more of the capacitive touch controls based on user interaction with the touch-screen display.

Abstract: Electrical contact and connector techniques are described. In one or more implementations, a computing system includes a computing device and an input device that are configured to be physically and communicatively coupled using a projection that is configured to be disposed within a channel, communication contacts that are configured to contact contacts within the channel to support the communicative coupling; and a protrusion disposed on the projection, the protrusion configured to be received within a cavity formed as part of the channel. The protrusion includes an electrical contact that is configured to be self-cleaning due to movement of the protrusion in relation to the cavity and is configured to transfer power between the input device and the computing device.

Abstract: Sounds sensed by a microphone of a device include sounds from a cooling fan of the device that varies based on the speed of the cooling fan, and other sounds used by a program of the device such as voice inputs. The sound level of sounds used by the program is determined, and the speed of the fan is adjusted so that a desired cooling level is attained while keeping the fan speed low enough that the noise from the fan does not interfere with the sounds used by the program.

Abstract: In embodiments of capacitive touch controls lockout, a computing device includes a touch-screen display for user interaction, and includes one or more capacitive touch controls for user selection as a device input to initiate a device action. The computing device also includes a lockout service that is implemented to disable one or more of the capacitive touch controls based on user interaction with the touch-screen display.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for generating a linearized pressure sensor pattern for a pressure sensor. Force may be applied to a pressure sensor sample, comprising the pressure sensor without conductors. A patch, comprising an area of contact between a top and bottom surface of the sensor sample, can be measured, which corresponds to the applied force. Patch measurements can be made for respective applied force intervals, resulting in one or more indications of applied force, respectively corresponding to an indication of a patch measurement. The linearized pressure sensor pattern can be generated using the one or more force indications and corresponding patch measurement indications.