Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for utilizing a virtual assistant as part of a communication session. One or more of the participant users can select to utilize a virtual assistant to assist the participant users with tasks during the communication session. A user can use a communication application to enter a message directed to the virtual assistant. The virtual assistant can analyze the entered message and determine that the message was directed to the virtual assistant rather than to the other participants of the communication session. As a result, the message will not be transmitted to the other participants of the communication session and the virtual assistant will assist the user with the identified task. A virtual assistant can assist a user with a variety of different tasks. For example, the virtual assistant can gather requested data for the user from one or more web servers, such as weather data, traffic data, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for utilizing a virtual assistant as part of a communication session. One or more of the participant users can select to utilize a virtual assistant to assist the participant users with tasks during the communication session. A user can use a communication application to enter a message directed to the virtual assistant. The virtual assistant can analyze the entered message and determine that the message was directed to the virtual assistant rather than to the other participants of the communication session. As a result, the message will not be transmitted to the other participants of the communication session and the virtual assistant will assist the user with the identified task. A virtual assistant can assist a user with a variety of different tasks. For example, the virtual assistant can gather requested data for the user from one or more web servers, such as weather data, traffic data, etc.

Abstract: A programmable device such as a smart phone allows a user an opportunity to make final corrections to textual data in a message after the user has instructed the device to send the message, but before transmittal of the message. The opportunity is temporary, to avoid impeding the flow of communication, and the textual data is transmitted unmodified if the opportunity to modify it is not accepted. Modifications made during the opportunity period may be used to adapt an autocorrect functionality of the programmable device.

Abstract: Transient user profiles are generated and broadcast to nearby recipient devices. In some implementations, a transient user profile is generated from a master user profile that includes user information. The master user profile can be stored in encrypted form on the user's mobile device or on a network-based computer system where it can be accessed upon authentication. The master user profile can include information provided by the user or retrieved from other network-based computer systems. The master user profile can include information that is labeled with security tags that indicate the class of users that may receive the user information. From the master user profile, a transient user profile can be generated in response to a sharing event and broadcast to other nearby recipient devices.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements are provided to valuate advertising slots for a client device based on events that are detected on the device. The cost of the advertising slots can vary according to the timing of the user interactions or according to different classifications for the client device that are determined based on the events. The cost of the advertising slot can be determined before or after the invitational content is provided to the client device.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for utilizing a virtual assistant as part of a communication session. One or more of the participant users can select to utilize a virtual assistant to assist the participant users with tasks during the communication session. A user can use a communication application to enter a message directed to the virtual assistant. The virtual assistant can analyze the entered message and determine that the message was directed to the virtual assistant rather than to the other participants of the communication session. As a result, the message will not be transmitted to the other participants of the communication session and the virtual assistant will assist the user with the identified task. A virtual assistant can assist a user with a variety of different tasks. For example, the virtual assistant can gather requested data for the user from one or more web servers, such as weather data, traffic data, etc.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements are provided to valuate advertising slots for a client device based on events that are detected on the device. The cost of the advertising slots can vary according to the timing of the user interactions or according to different classifications for the client device that are determined based on the events. The cost of the advertising slot can be determined before or after the invitational content is provided to the client device.

Abstract: Transient user profiles are generated and broadcast to nearby recipient devices. In some implementations, a transient user profile is generated from a master user profile that includes user information. The master user profile can be stored in encrypted form on the user's mobile device or on a network-based computer system where it can be accessed upon authentication. The master user profile can include information provided by the user or retrieved from other network-based computer systems. The master user profile can include information that is labeled with security tags that indicate the class of users that may receive the user information. From the master user profile, a transient user profile can be generated in response to a sharing event and broadcast to other nearby recipient devices.

Abstract: Transient user profiles are generated and broadcast to nearby recipient devices. In some implementations, a transient user profile is generated from a master user profile that includes user information. The master user profile can be stored in encrypted form on the user's mobile device or on a network-based computer system where it can be accessed upon authentication. The master user profile can include information provided by the user or retrieved from other network-based computer systems. The master user profile can include information that is labeled with security tags that indicate the class of users that may receive the user information. From the master user profile, a transient user profile can be generated in response to a sharing event and broadcast to other nearby recipient devices.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements are provided for the personalized targeting and customization of media stations in an online media service. A key set of inputs, with values unique to each user, is used to arrive at a personalized group of featured media stations that a user has access to. Demographic data, media preferences, user actions detected through the user's input, and other criteria allow for the content and screen time of featured stations to be personalized for each user.

Abstract: Determining that a client device is in a supplemental content restriction mode, creating a shell of a supplemental content item, delivering the shell of the supplemental content item to the client device, and reporting a presentation event of a supplemental content item being served to the client device.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for utilizing a virtual assistant to assist a user with a communication session between the user and a third party service. A user can use a communication application to enter a message directed to the virtual assistant and request assistance to communicate with a 3rd party service. In response, the virtual assistant can access a set of communication instructions associated with the 3rd party service. The set of communication instructions can include a set of commands for communicating with the 3rd party service, services provided by the 3rd party service and data needed by the 3rd party service to facilitate communication. The virtual assistant can use the communication instructions to gather data needed by the 3rd party service, communicate with the 3rd party service and present the user with data received from the 3rd party service.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for utilizing a virtual assistant to assist a user with a communication session between the user and a third party service. A user can use a communication application to enter a message directed to the virtual assistant and request assistance to communicate with a 3rd party service. In response, the virtual assistant can access a set of communication instructions associated with the 3rd party service. The set of communication instructions can include a set of commands for communicating with the 3rd party service, services provided by the 3rd party service and data needed by the 3rd party service to facilitate communication. The virtual assistant can use the communication instructions to gather data needed by the 3rd party service, communicate with the 3rd party service and present the user with data received from the 3rd party service.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for utilizing a virtual assistant as part of a communication session. One or more of the participant users can select to utilize a virtual assistant to assist the participant users with tasks during the communication session. A user can use a communication application to enter a message directed to the virtual assistant. The virtual assistant can analyze the entered message and determine that the message was directed to the virtual assistant rather than to the other participants of the communication session. As a result, the message will not be transmitted to the other participants of the communication session and the virtual assistant will assist the user with the identified task. A virtual assistant can assist a user with a variety of different tasks. For example, the virtual assistant can gather requested data for the user from one or more web servers, such as weather data, traffic data, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for utilizing a virtual assistant as part of a communication session. One or more of the participant users can select to utilize a virtual assistant to assist the participant users with tasks during the communication session. A user can use a communication application to enter a message directed to the virtual assistant. The virtual assistant can analyze the entered message and determine that the message was directed to the virtual assistant rather than to the other participants of the communication session. As a result, the message will not be transmitted to the other participants of the communication session and the virtual assistant will assist the user with the identified task. A virtual assistant can assist a user with a variety of different tasks.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sharing activity information of devices engaged in a messaging session. In operation, the devices provide activity and sharing preference information to a data service. Thereafter, the data service generates notifications for the devices based on the activity, sharing preference, and device information, wherein the notifications include a payload with instructions for messaging clients at the devices to present user interface elements that allow users to access content and applications associated with other users in the messaging session.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for sharing activity data through activity beacons. The system first receives a signal to enable a service for sharing activity data between the first device and a second device during a communication session between the first device and the second device, wherein the communication session is maintained via a first application. The system then tracks an activity associated with at least one of the first device or a second software application at the first device to yield activity data. Next, the system transmits an activity beacon from the first device to the second device, the activity beacon including the activity data and a second signal for triggering a presentation of a representation of the activity at the second device within the first application.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for utilizing a virtual assistant to assist a user with a communication session between the user and a third party service. A user can use a communication application to enter a message directed to the virtual assistant and request assistance to communicate with a 3rd party service. In response, the virtual assistant can access a set of communication instructions associated with the 3rd party service. The set of communication instructions can include a set of commands for communicating with the 3rd party service, services provided by the 3rd party service and data needed by the 3rd party service to facilitate communication. The virtual assistant can use the communication instructions to gather data needed by the 3rd party service, communicate with the 3rd party service and present the user with data received from the 3rd party service.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for dynamic radio content. The system generates a media item to be inserted into a media stream. The media item can include multiple segments associated with a set of discrete components. Next, the system inserts the media item into the media stream. In response to a triggering event, the system then re-generates the media item by assembling the multiple segments using a new set of the discrete components. The system then inserts the re-generated media item into the media stream.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for utilizing a virtual assistant to assist a user with a communication session between the user and a third party service. A user can use a communication application to enter a message directed to the virtual assistant and request assistance to communicate with a 3rd party service. In response, the virtual assistant can access a set of communication instructions associated with the 3rd party service. The set of communication instructions can include a set of commands for communicating with the 3rd party service, services provided by the 3rd party service and data needed by the 3rd party service to facilitate communication. The virtual assistant can use the communication instructions to gather data needed by the 3rd party service, communicate with the 3rd party service and present the user with data received from the 3rd party service.