Abstract: Based at least in part on an optimization goal determined for a storage group comprising a plurality of data stores for which writes requests are coordinated by a log-based transaction manager, one or more lifecycle transitions are identified for data objects stored in a first data store. In accordance with a first lifecycle transition, a data object is to be transferred from the first data store to a second data store based at least in part on a duration for which the data object has been resident at the first data store. A transition agent is assigned by a configuration manager to implement the first lifecycle transition.

Abstract: Techniques for reconfiguring a server to perform various hardware functions are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a server includes a reconfigurable adapter device, where the reconfigurable adapter device includes a reconfigurable resource that is reprogrammable to perform different hardware functions. The server can receive a provisioning request corresponding to a hardware function from a management service. The reconfigurable adapter device can configure the reconfigurable resource according to the hardware function and report the configured hardware function to the server. The reconfigurable resource can be reconfigured using firmware or emulation software.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for reconfiguring hosts in provider network environments in which hosts are evaluated to determine if steps of a full rebuild can be skipped. The hosts may implement slots of different types for virtual machines (VMs). Upon detecting that slots of a particular type are needed, a host that implements slots of another type may be selected for reconfiguration. The host may be evaluated to determine if one or more steps of a full rebuild can be skipped. The host may then be reconfigured to implement slots of the target type according to results of the evaluation. In at least some reconfigurations, at least one step of a full rebuild procedure is not performed for the respective host. Results of previous reconfigurations may be fed back into the evaluation process and used as one of the criteria for determining if steps can be skipped.

Abstract: A multi-chamber device is described. The device can include a first chamber and a second chamber disposed within the first chamber. Each chamber may be formed from a flexible material. A first tube may extend between the first chamber and outside the first chamber to enable addition of gas to the first chamber. A second tube may extend between the second chamber and outside the first chamber to enable removal of gas from the second chamber.

Abstract: Techniques for connecting computer system entities to local computer system resources are described herein. A computer system entity that requests access to a local computer system resource has that request fulfilled by a managed directory service, which receives the request and connects the computer system entity to the local computer system resource. While connected, the managed directory service receives commands to perform operations on the local computer system resource and, if the computer system entity is authorized to perform the operations on the local computer system resource, the managed directory service performs the operations on the local computer system resource.

Abstract: A technology is described for restoring a data store to an initial state. An example method may include receiving a modify command to perform a modification operation associated with a data store component managed using an instance of a data store service hosted in a computing service environment. In response, the data store component is replicated to create a data store component copy that represents an initial state of the data store component prior to performing the modification operation. The modification operation may then be executed, changing the initial state of the data store component to a transformed state. Thereafter, a restore command option to perform a reversion operation is provided that may be configured to change the data store component from the transformed state to the initial state. A restore command to perform the reversion operation may be received, and in response, the reversion operation may be executed.

Abstract: A probabilistic data structure is generated for efficient query processing using a histogram for unsorted data in a column of a columnar database. A bucket range size is determined for multiples buckets of a histogram of a column in a columnar database table. In at least some embodiments, the histogram may be a height-balanced histogram. A probabilistic data structure is generated to indicate for which particular buckets in the histogram there is a data value stored in the data block. When an indication of a query directed to the column for select data is received, the probabilistic data structure for each of the data blocks storing data for the column may be examined to determine particular ones of the data blocks which do not need to be read in order to service the query for the select data.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for determining whether food in a refrigerator has spoiled. An application executing on a computing device receives an identification of a food item located in a compartment of the refrigerator. The application then receives a chemical sensor reading from the refrigerator, wherein the chemical sensor reading represents a measured amount of a chemical associated with spoilage of the food item. Subsequently, the application determines that the measured amount of the chemical associated with spoilage of the food item exceeds a threshold amount of the chemical associated with spoilage of the food item. Finally, the application sends a notification to the client device, the notification comprising an indication that the food item is spoiled.

Abstract: Interactive parking facilities may include one or more computer displays or other output devices for providing information to occupants of vehicles arriving at the parking facilities, and for providing information to workers tasked with delivering items to such occupants. A vehicle and/or an occupant may be identified at a parking space, and an ordered item associated with the vehicle or the occupant may then be placed in a staging area. Instructions to deliver the item from the staging area to the vehicle may be displayed to a worker, and information regarding the pending arrival of the item may be displayed to the occupant, on one or more computer displays. Thus, the fulfillment of an order may be triggered upon detecting the arrival of the vehicle at a parking space, and the delivery of the one or more items to the vehicle may be guided based on such information.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure will be described with regard to the processing of a client computing device DNS queries by a DNS processing service to determine an identifier associated with a previously instantiated hosted virtual machine instance. In one aspect, if the previously instantiated hosted virtual machine instance is instantiated, the DNS service can resolve the DNS query by transmitting network address information associated with the previously instantiated hosted virtual machine instance. In another aspect, if the previously instantiated hosted virtual machine instance is not instantiated, the DNS service can initiate a process to cause an instantiation of a hosted virtual machine instance based on the previously instantiated hosted virtual machine instance. The DNS service can then resolve the DNS query by transmitting network address information, or an alternative identifier, associated with the newly instantiated hosted virtual machine instance.

Abstract: The following description is directed to managing a hierarchical network including one or more network zones. In one example, a method of managing a hierarchical network includes collecting network state from respective devices of a network zone; using the collected network state to build an aggregated topology of the network zone; and transmitting the aggregated topology of the network zone to a traffic engineering service.

Abstract: Techniques for implementation of an entity-component architecture with components having multiple configurations are described herein. In some examples, at least one component within an entity-component architecture of a video game may have multiple different configurations. Each of the multiple configurations may, for example, relate to a different respective deployment context in which the configuration will be deployed. For example, in some cases, the different configurations may be defined for different device types, such as client, server, and others. Additionally, in some cases, the different configurations may be defined for different types of game consoles, and other different software, hardware, and/or contextual attributes. Furthermore, in some cases, configurations may be defined for use during video game development, such as within an editing interface that is used for video game development.

Abstract: Sounds are generated by an aerial vehicle during operation. For example, the motors and propellers of an aerial vehicle generate sounds during operation. Disclosed is an adjustable propeller that may alter shapes during operation or rotation of the propeller such that the sound generated by the rotation of the propeller changes. The propeller may include multiple sections and joints that allow movement of the sections in any direction. Likewise, the propeller may include one or more sound flaps that may be opened or closed to further alter the sound generated as the propeller rotates.

Abstract: Techniques for efficient bandwidth estimation are described herein. In some cases, the bandwidth estimation techniques disclosed herein may, for example, calculate bandwidth based on multiple packet groups transmitted at different times. Additionally, in some cases, the bandwidth estimation techniques disclosed herein may, for example, capture cross traffic and its effects on bandwidth. Furthermore, in some cases, the bandwidth estimation techniques disclosed herein may, for example, employ dynamic self-correcting techniques for more reliable estimates.

Abstract: A method of controlling an electrowetting element. The method includes receiving first data corresponding with a first voltage with a first magnitude, generating the first voltage and applying the first voltage to the electrowetting element. Second data corresponding with a second voltage with a second magnitude is received. It is determined that the first magnitude is smaller than the second magnitude and, responsive thereto, a third magnitude of a third voltage is determined, the third magnitude larger than the first magnitude and smaller than the second magnitude. The third voltage is generated and applied to the electrowetting element instead of the second voltage, consecutively after the first voltage is applied.

Abstract: A cryptography algorithm hopping model is used to enable computer systems communicating with one another to vary the cryptographic algorithms used for the communications. The cryptography algorithm hopping model specifies a plurality of cryptography algorithms and information sufficient to determine a sequence of the plurality of cryptography algorithms and to determine when to switch from a cryptography algorithm in the sequence to a next cryptography algorithm in the sequence.

Abstract: Techniques for improving communications efficiency between pairs of communication nodes running within a computer system are described herein. Potential locations for placing a communication node are evaluated using one or more fitness values wherein the fitness value is based at least in part on one or more system metrics associated with placing a communication node in the potential location. If an improved location is found based on the fitness value, the communication node may be migrated to the new location, thus improving system efficiency.

Abstract: A computing resource service provider may store user data in a distributed data storage system. The distributed data storage system may contain one or more storage partitions configured to store based at least in part on prefixes of keys contained in a key-value store, where the size of the keys may vary. The one or more storage partitions may track requests to access data where the requests include a key such that the data may be located by the service provider based at least in part on the key. When a request is received a skew value associated with the key included in the request may be determined. The skew value may be determined based at least in part on the ratio of rate estimators, where the rate estimators represent a weighted average of the movement of the keys in a key space. If the skew value exceeds a threshold the service provider may take mitigating action.

Abstract: An apparatus including a housing and a sleeve that engages and at least partially encloses the housing. The housing may include a top portion having a loudspeaker and an exterior surface and a bottom portion having a loudspeaker and an exterior surface. An audio diffuser may be positioned between the top portion of the housing and the bottom portion of the housing so as to radially disperse sound from the loudspeakers. A light ring on the housing may indicate a functional state of the apparatus. Protrusions on the housing may interact with indentations on the sleeve to position and align the housing within the sleeve. The sleeve may include holes to allow sound to be outputted from the loudspeakers. Magnets and alignment elements may further situate and secure the housing to the sleeve.