Abstract: A content delivery system supplying themes for user computers based on user interest. Each theme may be a collection of components that define an audio, visual or functional aspect of computer operation related to a topic or area of interest, such as sports, a sports team, travel or fine art. The system includes client and server components. At each client, information about user interactions is collected and compared to information defining a set of user interest categories, allowing the client to determine one or more interest categories for the user. The client offers themes that are classified in accordance with the same set of user categories. The server can supply information defining user interest categories and a manifest of themes with associated categories. Additionally, the server can receive indications of when each theme is presented to a user and when the user elects to acquire a theme or engages with theme elements. The server may also supply, unlock or otherwise provide selected themes.

Abstract: Techniques for observing user operations and recognizing a current user of a computer based on those operations. Characteristics of observed user operations are compared to characteristics of operations performed by known users, such as those users with existing user profiles. The current user may be recognized as a user having a known user profile or a new user, for which information on user interests or other profile information may be stored. The profile of the current user may be used to customize presentation of services according to preferences for the current user. Components that collect information on user interactions may be incorporated in an operating system of the computer so that user interactions with both the operating system and applications that access operating system facilities may be used to recognize a user. Customization of the operating system or other components based on inferred user recognition may improve the user experience.

Abstract: A content delivery system that provides advertisements based on user interest. The system includes clients and an advertising platform. At each client, a user may elect the nature of information about user interest to be shared with the advertising platform. In response to such an election, a client device may provide broad user interest category information to an advertising platform or may provide more detailed user interaction information relating to user interaction with the client. In exchange for the user providing more detailed information, the advertising platform can direct more relevant advertising information to the user. The user interaction information collected on the client can accurately predict user interest because it can relate to interactions with multiple web sites, through multiple applications. Other forms of user interactions with the client may also yield information useful for classifying the user or for provision to the advertising platform.

Abstract: A content delivery system supplying themes for user computers based on user interest. Each theme may be a collection of components that define an audio, visual or functional aspect of computer operation related to a topic or area of interest, such as sports, a sports team, travel or fine art. The system includes client and server components. At each client, information about user interactions is collected and compared to information defining a set of user interest categories, allowing the client to determine one or more interest categories for the user. The client offers themes that are classified in accordance with the same set of user categories. The server can supply information defining user interest categories and a manifest of themes with associated categories. Additionally, the server can receive indications of when each theme is presented to a user and when the user elects to acquire a theme or engages with theme elements. The server may also supply, unlock or otherwise provide selected themes.

Abstract: A content delivery system that is based on user interest. The system includes client and server components. At each client, information about user interactions is collected and compared to information defining a set of user interest categories. In this way, the client can determine one or more interest categories in which the user fits. The client can then offer to the user content that is classified in accordance with the same set of user categories. The server can supply the client with the information defining user interest categories and a manifest of content options with associated categories. Additionally, the server can receive indications of when each content offering is presented to a user and when the user selects to acquire a content option. The server may also participate in offering the content. The content may be software applications.