Abstract: A method and system for enabling a first device to change a viewed image of at least one of the first device and a second device, during a video conference, are disclosed. The method includes: receiving a manipulation instruction, at a first device, for a selected target image, wherein the selected target image includes a portion of images displayed on a display of the first device during a video conference with a second device; comparing the manipulation instruction to an instruction store; and changing, on at least one of the first device and the second device, a view of the selected target image according to the manipulation instruction to achieve a manipulated selected target image.

Abstract: A device configured for participation in a video conference. The device includes a display disposed on the device for displaying video captured at a second device. The device also includes a virtual object receiver for receiving a virtual object, wherein the virtual object is configured to augment the video conference. A virtual object incorporator for incorporating the virtual object into the video captured at the second device, and a transmitter for transmitting said video comprising the virtual object. The video comprising the virtual object is configured to be displayed at the second device.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for obtaining information corresponding to a first user. The computer-implemented method includes, obtaining information corresponding to a first user, accessing a database comprising information corresponding to a plurality of individuals, based on the information corresponding to a plurality of individuals. The method further includes determining whether a potential relationship exists between a first user and at least one of the plurality of individuals.

Abstract: A method for augmenting a threaded conversation between a first device and a second device. The method includes: receiving a selection of a selectable animation, via a selection of a selectable animation representation, at the first device, wherein the selectable animation is configured for augmenting the threaded conversation; and incorporating the selection of the selectable animation into the threaded conversation such that the selectable animation appears in a conversation view of the first device and the second device.

Abstract: A method for utilizing an instrumented application in a mobile device environment. The method includes instrumenting an application to generate an instrumented application configured for use in the mobile device environment, obtaining authorization from a governing body for use of the instrumented application in the mobile device environment, and directing the instrumented application to cause a mobile device to operate according to a first setting. The first setting is invoked without requiring further authorization by the governing body.

Abstract: Communicating in a peer-to-peer computer environment. A request is received from a user at a peer provider node computer system, wherein the request is signed by a private key. Provided a public key verifies the private key, providing potential peers to the user from the peer provider node computer system such that the user is enabled to utilize the peer-to-peer computer environment for a communication according to user requirements.

Abstract: Communicating in a peer-to-peer computer environment. A portion of a communication is received from a first user device at a relay peer, wherein the relay peer is one of a list of potential peers and wherein the first user device and a second user device have disparate CPU power and bandwidth capabilities. The portion of the communication is transcoded to comprise a base layer and an enhanced layer. In one embodiment, transcoding encompasses changing the resolution of the communication. The base layer of the portion of the communication is sent to the second user device from the relay peer. The enhanced layer of the portion of the communication is selectively sent to the second user device depending upon a set of capabilities of the second user device.

Abstract: A methods and systems for communicating are disclosed. A request is received at a first device to communicate with a second device. Contact is initiated with the second device via a data center. A first form of communication is transmitted to the second device without requiring the transmitting to be routed through a central server. The first form of communication is received from the second device without requiring the receiving to be routed through a central server. A second form of communication is transmitted to the second device without requiring the transmitting to be routed through a central server.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for obtaining information corresponding to a first user. The computer-implemented method includes, obtaining information corresponding to a first user, accessing a database comprising information corresponding to a plurality of individuals, based on the information corresponding to a plurality of individuals. The method further includes determining whether a potential relationship exists between a first user and at least one of the plurality of individuals.

Abstract: A method for seamlessly authenticating users of a first and second device is described. The method includes: determining a set of first signatures for a first device; generating a set of second signatures for a second device; comparing the set of first signatures with the set of second signatures; and based on the comparing, granting a user authentication status if a difference between the set of first signatures and the set of second signatures is less than a predetermined tolerance threshold, and rejecting the user authentication status if a difference between the set of first signatures and the set of second signatures is more than the predetermined tolerance threshold.