Abstract: A method that simulates a three dimensional scene by producing reflections in a two dimensional scene. In some embodiments, the two dimensional scene includes a display area for displaying a set of images, and at least one object that is displayed near the display area. The method generates reflections of the set of images on the object and superimposes the generated reflections on the display of the object. In some embodiments, the method generates and displays the reflections in real-time as it displays the set of images in order to cause the display of the set of images to appear to be part of a 3D environment. In some embodiments, the set of images are part of a video that a device displays in real-time. The device generates reflections off one or more neighboring objects from the content displayed in each video frame.

Abstract: This is directed to dynamically adjusting the display of a curve provided on a display while the curve is being drawn. In particular, this is directed to identifying segments between sampled points of a line, and applying a transform to the segments to smooth the line between the sampled points. As additional points are identified, previously drawn segments can be transformed, displayed, and stored in cache. In some embodiments, the electronic device can monitor angles along the path to determine whether a user provided an instruction to draw a line having an intentionally sharp angle. In such cases, the electronic device can adjust the smoothing transform to maintain the sharp angle.

Abstract: This is directed to re-defining the manner in which several graphical elements are overlaid on a display. A user can direct an electronic device display to provide several graphical elements, where the graphical elements can be associated with different depth orders. In some cases, several graphical elements can overlap, but may not have adjacent depth orders. To allow a user to quickly and easily bring a particular graphical element above or below an overlapping graphical element, the electronic device can identify the closest overlapping graphical element in depth order, and change the depth order of the overlapping graphical elements in response to a single instruction, independent of the number of intervening, non-overlapping graphical elements in the depth order.

Abstract: An avatar editing environment is disclosed that allows users to create custom avatars for use in online games and other applications. Starting with a blank face the user can add, rescale and position different elements (e.g., eyes, nose, mouth) on the blank face. The user can also change the shape of the avatar's face, the avatar's skin color and the color of all the elements. In some implementations, touch input and gestures can be used to manually edit the avatar. Various controls can be used to create the avatar, such as controls for resizing, rotating, positioning, etc. The user can choose between manual and automatic avatar creation. The avatar editing environment can be part of a framework that is available to applications. One or more elements of the avatar can be animated.

Abstract: User interfaces for browsing and/or searching are described. In some embodiments, the metadata of a file includes a field having an indicator to indicate whether a preview of the content of the file is available. If the preview is available, then a plug-in associated with the creator application of the file is executed to present the preview within the icon. Furthermore, if the preview is interactive according to the metadata, then various user interface control may be generated to allow users to manipulate the presentation of the preview. Other embodiments are also described, and computer readable media and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: User interfaces for browsing and/or searching are described. In some embodiments, an icon representing a file is displayed in a graphical user interface (GUI), where the icon includes one or more predefined decorations. The decorations may be chosen based on the file type, such as slide decorations for presentations, a foldover for documents, etc. This may also be referred to as type conformance. A preview of the content of the file is presented within the icon without launching an application which has created the file (also referred to as the creator application). The pre-defined decorations on the icon may be maintained on the icon while the preview of the content of the file is presented. The format of the icon (e.g., shape of the icon, size of the icon, etc.) may be maintained as well during presentation of the preview. Other embodiments are also described, and computer readable media and apparatuses are also described.