Abstract: A user interface includes a virtual object having an appearance in context with a real environment of a user using a see-through, near-eye augmented reality display device system. A virtual type of object and at least one real world object are selected based on compatibility criteria for forming a physical connection like attachment, supporting or integration of the virtual object with the at least one real object. Other appearance characteristics, e.g. color, size or shape, of the virtual object are selected for satisfying compatibility criteria with the selected at least one real object. Additionally, a virtual object type and appearance characteristics of the virtual object may be selected based on a social context of the user, a personal context of the user or both.

Abstract: Multiple degrees of context for media content that is consumable on computing platforms including PCs and personal media players is provided by logically organizing context objects into halos that surround each piece of consumable content. The context objects represent information and experiences that are contextually associated with media content to enable users to easily discover content and experiences that they will find interesting in a rich and personal manner. As a user navigates from a content item to a context object in the halo, the context object itself morphs into content that is then surrounded by a new halo of context objects to which the user may navigate. The organization of media content and information into halos enables an effective contextual paradigm that cuts across strict hierarchical structures to allow the user experience to be much more seamless and free-flowing.

Abstract: Multiple degrees of context for media content that is consumable on computing platforms including PCs and personal media players is provided by logically organizing context objects into halos that surround each piece of consumable content. The context objects represent information and experiences that are contextually associated with media content to enable users to easily discover content and experiences that they will find interesting in a rich and personal manner. As a user navigates from a content item to a context object in the halo, the context object itself morphs into content that is then surrounded by a new halo of context objects to which the user may navigate. The organization of media content and information into halos enables an effective contextual paradigm that cuts across strict hierarchical structures to allow the user experience to be much more seamless and free-flowing.

Abstract: A user interface includes a virtual object having an appearance in context with a real environment of a user using a see-through, near-eye augmented reality display device system. A virtual type of object and at least one real world object are selected based on compatibility criteria for forming a physical connection like attachment, supporting or integration of the virtual object with the at least one real object. Other appearance characteristics, e.g. color, size or shape, of the virtual object are selected for satisfying compatibility criteria with the selected at least one real object. Additionally, a virtual object type and appearance characteristics of the virtual object may be selected based on a social context of the user, a personal context of the user or both.

Abstract: A media content programming, delivery, and consumption model is provided by which consumers can receive programming that is personalized to their tastes and interests and discover new media content that they will likely enjoy, without having to put in a lot of effort or needing to be technically adept. The received media content programming can then be played on a PC or portable media player. Consumers can access the media content programming from a cloud-based service with the same ease as tuning to a radio station, and then may simply enjoy the programming without needing to take any additional steps. However, unlike traditional linear programming, the programming here is curated so that the delivered content is highly relevant to the consumer. Navigation within a programmed sequence is enabled by skipping ahead or going back in a playlist, and consumers can learn more about particular content by interacting with rich metadata.

Abstract: Multiple degrees of context for media content that is consumable on computing platforms including PCs and personal media players is provided by logically organizing context objects into halos that surround each piece of consumable content. The context objects represent information and experiences that are contextually associated with media content to enable users to easily discover content and experiences that they will find interesting in a rich and personal manner. As a user navigates from a content item to a context object in the halo, the context object itself morphs into content that is then surrounded by a new halo of context objects to which the user may navigate. The organization of media content and information into halos enables an effective contextual paradigm that cuts across strict hierarchical structures to allow the user experience to be much more seamless and free-flowing.

Abstract: Multiple degrees of context for media content that is consumable on computing platforms including PCs and personal media players is provided by logically organizing context objects into halos that surround each piece of consumable content. The context objects represent information and experiences that are contextually associated with media content to enable users to easily discover content and experiences that they will find interesting in a rich and personal manner. As a user navigates from a content item to a context object in the halo, the context object itself morphs into content that is then surrounded by a new halo of context objects to which the user may navigate. The organization of media content and information into halos enables an effective contextual paradigm that cuts across strict hierarchical structures to allow the user experience to be much more seamless and free-flowing.

Abstract: A media content programming, delivery, and consumption model is provided by which consumers can receive programming that is personalized to their tastes and interests and discover new media content that they will likely enjoy, without having to put in a lot of effort or needing to be technically adept. The received media content programming can then be played on a PC or portable media player. Consumers can access the media content programming from a cloud-based service with the same ease as tuning to a radio station, and then may simply enjoy the programming without needing to take any additional steps. However, unlike traditional linear programming, the programming here is curated so that the delivered content is highly relevant to the consumer. Navigation within a programmed sequence is enabled by skipping ahead or going back in a playlist, and consumers can learn more about particular content by interacting with rich metadata.

Abstract: A UI (user interface) for natural gestural control uses inertial physics coupled to gestures made on a gesture-pad (“GPad”) by the user in order to provide an enhanced list and grid navigation experience which is both faster and more enjoyable to use than current list and grid navigation methods using a conventional 5-way D-pad (directional pad) controllers. The UI makes use of the GPad's gesture detection capabilities, in addition to its ability to sense standard button presses, and allows end users to use either or both navigation mechanisms, depending on their preference and comfort level. End users can navigate the entire UI by using button presses only (as with conventional UIs) or they can use button presses in combination with gestures for a more fluid and enhanced browsing experience.

Abstract: The progress of transferring an electronic object from a sending handheld to a receiver is graphically represented as an object gradually sliding out of view on the display of the sender and gradually sliding into view on the display of the receiver. A gravity sensor in the sending handheld is used to determine the transmission's data rate. This visual feedback is an ergonomic feature for, e.g., electronic toys.

Abstract: The progress of transferring an electronic object from a sending handheld to a receiver is graphically represented as an gradually object sliding out of view on the display of the sender and gradually sliding into view on the display of the receiver. A gravity sensor in the handheld is used to determine the transmission's data rate. This visual feedback is an ergonomic feature for, e.g., electronic toys.

Abstract: The progress of transferring an electronic object from a sending handheld to a receiver is graphically represented as an gradually object sliding out of view on the display of the sender and gradually sliding into view on the display of the receiver. A gravity sensor in the handheld is used to determine the transmission's data rate. This visual feedback is an ergonomic feature for, e.g., electronic toys.

Abstract: A geographic region has a network of beacons. Each beacon transmits a short-range facilitation signal for receipt on a user's mobile communication device. The facilitation signal initiates associating the facilitation signal with a service and conditionally alerts the user to the service via the device dependent on a user profile. The user-profile and the association between facilitation signal and service are user-programmable.

Abstract: The progress of transferring an electronic object from a sending handheld to a receiver is graphically represented as an gradually object sliding out of view on the display of the sender and gradually sliding into view on the display of the receiver. A gravity sensor in the handheld is used to determine the transmission's data rate. This visual feedback is an ergonomic feature for, e.g., electronic toys.