Abstract: In-store sampling techniques using short-range wireless communication are disclosed. An NFC-enabled device may transmit an NFC signal that can automatically power an NFC tag located on an item in a store and read information stored on the tag. The information may be associated with digital content relating to the item containing the tag, and the NFC-enabled device may receive in-store access to that digital content. The item in the store may be a book and the digital content may be an electronic copy of the book, for example. The digital content may be added to the device's shopping bag or wish list and the content may be downloaded or streamed to the device through a store's local network. The in-store sampling techniques may allow consumption of the digital content while connected to the store's network, and upon leaving the store access to the digital content is removed from the device.

Abstract: Apparatus and algorithms to balance power savings and convenience to users of electronic devices based on usage patterns, charging and battery efficiency and capacity, and users' subscriptions.

Abstract: Apparatus and algorithms to balance power savings and convenience to users of electronic devices based on usage patterns, charging and battery efficiency and capacity, and users' subscriptions.

Abstract: A method for processing a search query according to one embodiment includes receiving a search query containing terms; combining at least some consecutive terms in the search query to create biwords; looking up at least some of the terms and biwords in a search index for identifying sections of documents containing the at least some of the terms and/or biwords; generating a content score for each of the identified sections based at least in part on a number of the terms and biwords found in the sections of each document, wherein the biwords are given a higher priority than matched terms, wherein the priority affects the content score; and selecting and outputting an indicator of at least one of the sections, or portion thereof, based at least in part on the content score.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for purchasing, accessing, consuming, and/or providing electronic content using an electronic bookshelf (eBookshelf) system. The eBookshelf system can be used by accessing a touchscreen-based user interface and/or local hardware controls and/or a remote control. A user's personal library of eBooks and/or any other electronic content can be displayed and/or aurally presented. In addition, the vast content of commercial retailers can also be displayed for browsing and purchase/rental. If the user identifies a content selection on the eBookshelf system that he/she wishes to consume, it can be readily transferred from the system to a personal content consuming device. Multiple eBookshelf systems can be attached to one another to extend the length and/or height of the eBookshelf. Accessing the eBookshelf system by a user ID allows multiple users to enjoy a personally customized version of the system.