Abstract: In one embodiment, a virtual environment is instantiated to provide a virtual two-dimensional or three-dimensional space in which a plurality of users can interact. Interactions by the plurality of users within the virtual environment are classified, and a topic of interest for a particular user in the classified interactions is identified based on a topics of interest model for the particular user. A response action is then initiated in a local execution of the virtual environment presented to the particular user based on the identified topic of interest. The topics of interest model may be generated by content associated with the particular user, e.g., stored on a user device of the particular user or in a cloud storage account of the particular user.

Abstract: Techniques for video conferencing are disclosed. In one embodiment, a mirror assembly can be used to position a mirror in front of a camera, reflecting a view of the camera downward towards a whiteboard or other drawing surface, allowing a user to show a drawing during a video conference. In another embodiment, video data and audio data of a user in a video conference can be analyzed to determine what portions of the video data and audio data should be transmitted to a remote participant in the video conference. Unintentional input supplied by the user in the video data and audio data may be used to determine which portions of the video data and audio data to transmit.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to improve user experience on computing devices are disclosed. An example computing device includes a microphone to capture audio corresponding to spoken words. The example computing device further includes a speech analyzer to: detect a keyword prompt from among the spoken words, the keyword prompt to precede a query statement of a user of the computing device; and identify topics associated with a subset of the spoken words, the subset of the spoken words captured by the microphone before the keyword prompt. The example computing device also includes a communications interface to, in response to detection of the keyword prompt, transmit information indicative of the query statement and ones of the identified topics to a remote server.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-modal user device authentication are disclosed. An example electronic device includes a first sensor, a microphone, a first camera, and a confidence analyzer to authenticate a subject as the authorized user in response to a user presence detection analyzer detecting a presence of the subject and one or more of (a) an audio data analyzer detecting a voice of an authorized user or (b) an image data analyzer detecting a feature of the authorized user. The example electronic device includes a processor to cause the electronic device to move from a first power state to a second power state in response to the confidence analyzer authenticating the user as the authorized user. The electronic device is to consume a greater amount of power in the second power state than the first power state.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to operate closed-lid portable computers are disclosed. An example portable computer includes a first display on a lid of the portable computer, the first display to be deactivated when the lid is in a closed position; a second display distinct from the first display, the second display to be visible when the lid is in the closed position; instructions; and processor circuitry to execute the instructions to cause activation of the first display in response to a user interaction with the second display while the lid is in the closed position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to improve user experience on computing devices are disclosed. An example computing device includes an image sensor. The example computing device further includes wireless communication circuitry. The example computing device also includes an operations controller to cause the wireless communication circuitry to switch between different operation modes based on an analysis of image data generated by the image sensor. Different ones of the operation modes to consume different amounts of power.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods to facilitate user interaction across multiple computing systems are disclosed. An example apparatus includes interface circuitry, machine readable instructions, and programmable circuitry to at least one of instantiate or execute the machine readable instructions to, cause content to be provided to a host computing system to present the content via a display, access an edit instruction from a user of the apparatus, the edit instruction to cause a change of the content, and cause the edit instruction to be provided to the host computing system to apply the change to the content presented on the display.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture for user-to-avatar mapping and adjustment are disclosed. An example apparatus includes processor circuitry to at least one of instantiate or execute the machine readable instructions to: determine a dissonance between a first orientation of a user in a real-world environment and a second orientation of an avatar in a virtual environment, the avatar corresponding to the user; determine an avatar adjustment value based on the dissonance; and apply the avatar adjustment value to the avatar model to change the second orientation.

Abstract: Technologies for device management in metaverse interactions are disclosed. In an illustrative embodiment, a compute device is connected to remote compute devices in a metaverse. The compute device may detect local devices, such as by seeing a device in images captured by a camera of the compute device. The local device may be, e.g., a cell phone or smartwatch. The local devices may be registered by the compute device and reproduced in the metaverse. The local user of the compute device may interface with the local devices in the metaverse. The local user may allow remote users to interface or control the local device as well.

Abstract: Computing devices and peripherals having a dynamic curvature are disclosed. The base of a laptop can curve as the laptop lid is opened due to left and right base portions being pulled inward to a bisector of the base. Base portions can be pulled inwards by a bending strap pushed upwards by a lifter spring, by base hinges that rotate inwards, or a shape memory allow wire laced around pulleys that contract when heated. A display device with dynamic curvature can curve due to a rack and pinion linear actuator that extends or shortens adjustable rods housed in the display support. A base or display can be curved based on the context of the computer device or in response to certain events. The curvature of a base or display can be tunable by a user. Curved bases and displays can reduce wrist and eye strain.

Abstract: Thermally conductive shock absorbers for electronic devices are disclosed. An electronic device includes a housing and a hardware component positioned inside the housing. A thermally conductive shock absorber is located between an inner surface of the housing and the hardware component. The thermally conductive shock absorber including an impact absorbing material and a thermal conductive material being in contact with at least a portion of the impact absorbing material.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for adapting a computer based on user attentiveness are described herein. A system for attention-based gesture recognition includes processing circuitry to: access an image of a user, the user proximate to a computing device; determine, based on the image, whether user is attentive to the computing device; and selectively enable or disable a function of the computing device depending on whether the user is attentive.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to operate closed-lid portable computers are disclosed. An example portable computer includes a first display on a lid of the portable computer, the first display to be deactivated when the lid is in a closed position; a second display distinct from the first display, the second display to be visible when the lid is in the closed position; instructions; and processor circuitry to execute the instructions to cause activation of the first display in response to a user interaction with the second display while the lid is in the closed position.

Abstract: Retractable image capture devices and methods to protect such retractable image capture devices. An example mobile device includes a housing; a camera module including a sensor and a lens, a focal distance between the sensor and the lens being fixed, the camera module being movably mounted to the housing to move between a first position and a second position, a surface of the lens to extend past an exterior surface of the housing in the first position, the camera module to be disposed within the housing in the second position; and an actuator to actuate the camera module from the first position to the second position in response to a proximity trigger.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to operate closed-lid portable computers are disclosed. An example portable computer includes a first display on a lid of the portable computer, the first display to be deactivated when the lid is in a closed position; a second display distinct from the first display, the second display to be visible when the lid is in the closed position; instructions; and processor circuitry to execute the instructions to cause activation of the first display in response to a user interaction with the second display while the lid is in the closed position.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-modal user device authentication are disclosed. An example electronic device includes a first sensor, a microphone, a first camera, and a confidence analyzer to authenticate a subject as the authorized user in response to a user presence detection analyzer detecting a presence of the subject and one or more of (a) an audio data analyzer detecting a voice of an authorized user or (b) an image data analyzer detecting a feature of the authorized user. The example electronic device includes a processor to cause the electronic device to move from a first power state to a second power state in response to the confidence analyzer authenticating the user as the authorized user. The electronic device is to consume a greater amount of power in the second power state than the first power state.

Abstract: Systems and methods for multi-modal user device authentication are disclosed. An example electronic device includes a first sensor, a microphone, a first camera, and a confidence analyzer to authenticate a subject as the authorized user in response to a user presence detection analyzer detecting a presence of the subject and one or more of (a) an audio data analyzer detecting a voice of an authorized user or (b) an image data analyzer detecting a feature of the authorized user. The example electronic device includes a processor to cause the electronic device to move from a first power state to a second power state in response to the confidence analyzer authenticating the user as the authorized user. The electronic device is to consume a greater amount of power in the second power state than the first power state.