Abstract: A mobile media device user interface is described. In one or more implementations, output of a plurality of audio content is monitored by a mobile media device. Each of the audio content was received via a respective one of a plurality of broadcast channels by the mobile media device. A user interface is displayed on a display device of the mobile media device, the user interface describing each of the plurality of audio content and the respective broadcast channel from which the audio content was received.

Abstract: A method for resizing user interfaces described herein can include detecting a reduced format gesture within an application window displayed in an active region of a user interface. The method can also include modifying the user interface to display the application window in a reduced format proximate the reduced format gesture and modifying the user interface to indicate an inactive state for a region of the user interface outside of the application window. Furthermore, the method can include detecting one or more input actions corresponding to the application window and detecting a maximize gesture within the application window. Additionally, the method can include modifying the user interface by resizing the application window to a maximized format and transitioning the region of the user interface outside of the application window from the inactive state to an active state.

Abstract: A mobile media device user interface is described. In one or more implementations, output of a plurality of audio content is monitored by a mobile media device. Each of the audio content was received via a respective one of a plurality of broadcast channels by the mobile media device. A user interface is displayed on a display device of the mobile media device, the user interface describing each of the plurality of audio content and the respective broadcast channel from which the audio content was received.

Abstract: A mobile media device user interface is described. In one or more implementations, output of a plurality of audio content is monitored by a mobile media device. Each of the audio content was received via a respective one of a plurality of broadcast channels by the mobile media device. A user interface is displayed on a display device of the mobile media device, the user interface describing each of the plurality of audio content and the respective broadcast channel from which the audio content was received.

Abstract: A mobile device having capabilities to access connections to cellular and Wi-Fi portions of a hybrid telecommunications network is configured to display a variety of different icons that graphically indicate a current connection status for both data usage and voice calling on a graphical user interface (GUI). A user can put the GUI into an expanded state to show additional information about the connection status including textual descriptions of icons to instruct the user as to the specific meaning of a given icon. The textual descriptions enable an association between the iconography and the connection state to be established for the user. The icons can then quickly and effectively convey connection state to the user in a comprehensive manner while efficiently using the available display space on the device.

Abstract: Switching between an arm's length user interface and a distance user interface is provided. A first user interface optimized to operate a computer from an arm's-length distance is presented on a display. A command is received. It is determined whether the command is from a wired device or a wirelessly-connected device. When the command is from a wired device, then the first user interface continues to be presented. When the command is from a wirelessly-connected device, then the display is toggled from the first user interface to the distance user interface. The distance user interface is optimized for operating the computer from a television-viewing distance. The television-viewing distance measured in feet is approximately half of a diagonal measure of the image displayed on the display device measured in inches.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that relate to placing virtual objects in an augmented reality environment. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a method comprising receiving sensor data comprising one or more of motion data, location data, and orientation data from one or more sensors located on a head-mounted display device, and based upon the motion data, determining a body-locking direction vector that is based upon an estimated direction in which a body of a user is facing. The method further comprises positioning a displayed virtual object based on the body-locking direction vector.

Abstract: Thumbnail images representative of recorded TV programs are generated and presented to aid a user in browsing the recorded TV programs. In one implementation, a temporary thumbnail image is generated when a TV program first starts recording. The temporary thumbnail is used to populate any user interface (UI) screens that reference the recoded TV program. Once the TV program has reached a threshold amount of recording (e.g., a prescribed duration of recording, or completion of the recording), a permanent thumbnail image is generated and associated with the TV program. The permanent thumbnail is then presented in any subsequent UI screens, replacing the temporary thumbnail. In another implementation, display of the thumbnail images in the UI screens may be further controlled by setting preferences, such as parental controls.

Abstract: Various embodiments enable a user of a mobile media device to select one or more channels to load onto the device. Each channel comprises a collection of media content files, such as video content, audio content, and so on. Each collection of media content files can be associated with a particular genre (or genres) of media content. A channel can be managed such that its collection of media content can be rearranged, augmented, and/or otherwise edited to produce a refreshed version of the channel. A user's interaction with content within a channel can be monitored to produce behavior data about the user. The behavior data can be used to customize the playback of a particular channel to reflect user preferences. The behavior data can also be used to produce channels that are custom tuned for the user and can be used to produce a customized version of a mobile media device.

Abstract: Thumbnail images representative of recorded TV programs are generated and presented to aid a user in browsing the recorded TV programs. In one implementation, a temporary thumbnail image is generated when a TV program first starts recording. The temporary thumbnail is used to populate any user interface (UI) screens that reference the recoded TV program. Once the TV program has reached a threshold amount of recording (e.g., a prescribed duration of recording, or completion of the recording), a permanent thumbnail image is generated and associated with the TV program. The permanent thumbnail is then presented in any subsequent UI screens, replacing the temporary thumbnail. In another implementation, display of the thumbnail images in the UI screens may be further controlled by setting preferences, such as parental controls.

Abstract: A mobile device having capabilities to access connections to cellular and Wi-Fi portions of a hybrid telecommunications network is configured to display a variety of different icons that graphically indicate a current connection status for both data usage and voice calling on a graphical user interface (GUI). A user can put the GUI into an expanded state to show additional information about the connection status including textual descriptions of icons to instruct the user as to the specific meaning of a given icon. The textual descriptions enable an association between the iconography and the connection state to be established for the user. The icons can then quickly and effectively convey connection state to the user in a comprehensive manner while efficiently using the available display space on the device.

Abstract: Thumbnail images representative of recorded TV programs are generated and presented to aid a user in browsing the recorded TV programs. In one implementation, a temporary thumbnail image is generated when a TV program first starts recording. The temporary thumbnail is used to populate any user interface (UI) screens that reference the recoded TV program. Once the TV program has reached a threshold amount of recording (e.g., a prescribed duration of recording, or completion of the recording), a permanent thumbnail image is generated and associated with the TV program. The permanent thumbnail is then presented in any subsequent UI screens, replacing the temporary thumbnail. In another implementation, display of the thumbnail images in the UI screens may be further controlled by setting preferences, such as parental controls.

Abstract: A dynamic user interface for previewing live content includes multiple tiles. A selection can be received from a user to define a tiled user interface layout that includes the multiple tiles each configured to display content from an associated content gallery. The content can be displayed on the multiple tiles in the tiled user interface layout, and one or more of the tiles change over time to display different pieces of the content from the associated content gallery of a tile.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed that relate to placing virtual objects in an augmented reality environment. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides a method comprising receiving sensor data comprising one or more of motion data, location data, and orientation data from one or more sensors located on a head-mounted display device, and based upon the motion data, determining a body-locking direction vector that is based upon an estimated direction in which a body of a user is facing. The method further comprises positioning a displayed virtual object based on the body-locking direction vector.

Abstract: A dynamic user interface for previewing live content includes multiple tiles. User interface layouts can be displayed that each have multiple tiles displaying multiple pieces of content, where the multiple pieces of content includes different types of content and each of the multiple tiles display a piece of the content. A command input can be received to change a current user interface layout, and a transition is initiated to display a next user interface layout that includes one or more of the multiple tiles displaying the multiple pieces of content or different multiple pieces of the content.