Abstract: A method, system, and medium for providing context-sensitive writing assistance to a user that is composing a textual communication are described. The context is used to tune the writing assistance to accommodate the different communication styles between users and recipients. The context includes the writing medium, the recipient, and the writer. Examples of writing assistance include spell check, grammar check, and auto-fill in.

Abstract: A method, system, and medium for providing context-sensitive writing assistance to a user that is composing a textual communication are described. The context is used to tune the writing assistance to accommodate the different communication styles between users and recipients. The context includes the writing medium, the recipient, and the writer. Examples of writing assistance include spell check, grammar check, and auto-fill in.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer storage media are provided for initiating a system-wide voice-to-text dictation service in response to a preconfigured gesture. Data input fields, independent of the application from which they are presented to a user, are configured to at least detect one or more input events. A gesture listener process, controlled by the system, is configured to detect a preconfigured gesture corresponding to a data input field. Detection of the preconfigured gesture generates an input event configured to invoke a voice-to-text session for the corresponding data input field. The preconfigured gesture can be configured such that any visible on-screen affordances (e.g., microphone button on a virtual keyboard) are omitted to maintain aesthetic purity and further provide system-wide access to the dictation service.

Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided for using a mobile device (e.g., a smart phone, personal digital assistant (“PDA”), reading device, cell phone) as a external monitor for a computing device (e.g., a laptop, a desktop personal computer). A mobile device may also be used as an input device for the computing device. For example, a trackball, touch screen, keypad, or other input device on the mobile device may be used to control applications operating on the computing device. The mobile device may send and receive communications at the same time a computing device is utilizing the mobile device's input and output components. The mobile device's battery may be charged while the computing device controls the mobile device's input and output mechanisms.

Abstract: Desired portions of a background image presented on a mobile device are prioritized for viewability. The background image, which includes desired feature components, is presented on a display of the mobile device. The desired feature components are identified from the background image. A user interface that includes an indication of the desired feature components is presented on the mobile device. One or more icon images are presented in accordance with the prioritization of the desired feature components of the background image.

Abstract: A method, system, and medium for providing context-sensitive writing assistance to a user that is composing a textual communication are described. The context is used to tune the writing assistance to accommodate the different communication styles between users and recipients. The context includes the writing medium, the recipient, and the writer. Examples of writing assistance include spell check, grammar check, and auto-fill in.

Abstract: A method, system, and medium are provided for improving the accuracy of keystroke detection by determining what finger position a person is using to type. The finger, or fingers, used to contact the keys may define a finger position. Once the finger position is detected, hot spots for individual keys may be positioned according to a profile associated with the finger position. The hot spot is the portion of the touch screen that needs to be contacted in order to register a keystroke for the associated key. Each key has its own hot spot. The hot spot for a key may change without the display of the key on the touch-screen keyboard changing.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media are provided for distributing icons so that they do not overlap certain screen areas of a mobile device. In particular, screen areas of a background image displayed on a screen of a mobile device may be identified as image portions that are desirable for protection. After the desired image portions are identified, foreground screen areas corresponding to the desired image portions are designated as being unavailable to present icons. Icons are then presented on available screen areas of the mobile device so as to avoid overlapping desired image portions.

Abstract: A method, system, and media are provided for enhancing viewability of information presented on a mobile device. The media includes presenting a user interface on a mobile device that includes foreground information that overlaps a background image. The background image may be converted into a first set of color values and the foreground information into a second set of color values. A dominant color may be determined for the background image and foreground information. The dominant colors may be used to calculate a contrast ratio that may be compared to a threshold value. At least a portion of the color values may be modified when the contrast ratio is less than the threshold value. A set of modified color values may then be derived and a modified presentation may be presented to the user that includes the modified color values.

Abstract: A method, system, and media are provided for enhancing viewability of information presented on a mobile device. The media includes presenting a user interface on a mobile device that includes foreground information that overlaps a background image. The background image may be converted into a first set of color values and the foreground information into a second set of color values. A dominant color may be determined for the background image and foreground information. The dominant colors may be used to calculate a contrast ratio that may be compared to a threshold value. At least a portion of the color values may be modified when the contrast ratio is less than the threshold value. A set of modified color values may then be derived and a modified presentation may be presented to the user that includes the modified color values.