Abstract: In general, the subject matter described in this disclosure can be embodied in methods, devices, and program products for modifying interactions between a mobile device and a peripheral device based on proximity. The mobile device monitors a wireless communication channel and receives a transmission from the peripheral device over the channel indicating that the mobile device is located within a first zone of proximity to the peripheral device. The mobile device determines distance values between the devices. When the mobile device determines that a distance value satisfies a threshold value, the mobile device visually indicates that it is within a second zone of proximity to the peripheral device. As a result of the mobile device receiving data from the peripheral device using a second communication protocol, the mobile device determines that it is located within a third zone of proximity to the peripheral device, and performs an action.

Abstract: A data processing system comprises a plurality of electronic book reader devices, each of the electronic book reader devices having a display and being connectable to a wireless network of electronic book reader devices, in which: a first electronic book reader device of the plurality comprises a data transmitter configured to send, via the wireless network, reading position data defining: a current book data file being displayed by that electronic book reader device, and a current display position within that book data file; and at least a second, different, electronic book reader device of the plurality comprises a data receiver configured to receive, via the wireless network, the reading position data sent by the first electronic book reader device, and a display controller configured to control the second electronic book reader device to display at least an indication of the current book data file and the current display position of the first electronic book reader device.

Abstract: A data processing system comprises a plurality of electronic book reader devices, each of the electronic book reader devices having a display and being connectable to a wireless network of electronic book reader devices, in which: a first electronic book reader device of the plurality comprises a data transmitter configured to send, via the wireless network, reading position data defining: a current book data file being displayed by that electronic book reader device, and a current display position within that book data file; and at least a second, different, electronic book reader device of the plurality comprises a data receiver configured to receive, via the wireless network, the reading position data sent by the first electronic book reader device, and a display controller configured to control the second electronic book reader device to display at least an indication of the current book data file and the current display position of the first electronic book reader device.

Abstract: A remote control handset for intuitively navigating a user interface of an entertainment device, the user interface having a hierarchical menu structure. The remote control handset of the present invention is not required to have any buttons. The remote control handset has a first control surface, and a second control surface. The first control surface has a substantially planar portion and allows navigation with a level of the hierarchical menu structure. The second control surface has a component in an axis that is normal to the substantially planar portion of the first control surface, and is for navigating between the levels of the hierarchical menu structure.

Abstract: A remote control handset for intuitively navigating a user interface of an entertainment device, the user interface having a hierarchical menu structure. The remote control handset of the present invention is not required to have any buttons. The remote control handset has a first control surface, and a second control surface. The first control surface has a substantially planar portion and allows navigation with a level of the hierarchical menu structure. The second control surface has a component in an axis that is normal to the substantially planar portion of the first control surface, and is for navigating between the levels of the hierarchical menu structure.

Abstract: An information input and output device having a polyhedral shape includes plural display units set on respective sides forming a polyhedron, a sensor that detects the rotation or the tilt of the information input and output device, and a control unit that detects user input based on user operation of the information input and output device and executes update of displayed information on the display units and output of control information through a communicating unit.