Abstract: The performance of functional items, such as headphones, cameras, etc., can be simulated in the context of a network-accessible electronic catalog by using virtual machines, and similar techniques. An electronic marketplace may provide a user with the option to sample the performance of an item being browsed, and can generate and/or configure one or more virtual machines to simulate functions of the item, using parameters that are specific to the item and/or that are tailored to the user's device. In some cases, the performance of different items can be compared, e.g. by simultaneous presentation of visual information, and/or item(s) performance can be virtualized in various ways that allow the user to identify differences or capabilities that might otherwise be difficult to discern. The described methods may also recommend products that closely match the user's preferences based on the user's modifications to virtualizations.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for displaying item information relative to selection regions of an item image. An image of an item is rendered upon a display of a client. The image is divided into multiple selection regions. The selection regions may be determined by the client dynamically. A selection of a first point upon the image of the item is received. Additional information related to the item is requested from a server based at least in part on the selection of the first point. The additional information is mapped to the first point by way of an association with a second point upon the image. The additional information related to the item is rendered upon the display.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a cover for an electronic device. The cover can be deployed on a transparent surface of the electronic device and can reversibly occlude the view through the transparent surface. In certain embodiments, the cover can include a closed bounding surface region that is transparent and has a specific volume. The bounding surface can define an interior open space that can be partitioned into multiple cavities, where nearest-neighboring cavities can share a surface that defines each of such cavities. In one embodiment, in order to occlude the view through the transparent surface, an opaque liquid can be injected into the cavities, where the liquid can solidify and, thus, can form an opaque solid layer. To reverse such an occlusion and, effectively, uncover the transparent surface, the solid layer can be melted by applying a suitable voltage to at least one of the multiple cavities.