Abstract: A selection of a contact is received from a user. This contact is within a content item, such as a word processing document, a hypertext document, an e-mail, a spreadsheet, or an electronic presentation. The user receives an indication of one or more connection channels associated with the contact and the user makes a selection a designated connection channel from the one or more connection channels. Upon this selection a device (such as a portable communications device) is instructed to establish communications across the designated connection channel. This connection channel may be, for example, a telephone number, an SMS number, an e-mail address, or a uniform resource locator (URL).

Abstract: A system for interacting with a physical entity includes a user-wearable terminal and a mobile station. The user-wearable terminal is capable of automatically receiving a selection of a physical entity as at least a portion of a user wearing the terminal moves into proximity with the entity thereby moving the terminal into proximity with the entity. The terminal includes a first short-range communication element for receiving information from the entity at least partially over an air interface. In addition, the terminal includes a second short-range communication element for transferring input data to the mobile station at least partially over an air interface, where the input data is based upon the information related to the entity. The mobile station, upon receiving the input data, is capable of performing at least one action based upon the input data.

Abstract: Systems and methods applicable, for instance, in data dispatch. For example, a series of nodes and/or other computers may be employed such that passing of data, via proximity connection, from node and/or other computer to node and/or other computer in the series results in the data being received by an intended recipient node and/or other computer. A node and/or other computer of the series might come to be in proximity connection range with another node and/or other computer of the series, for instance, by way of user translocation of one or more of the nodes and/or other computers.

Abstract: Systems and methods, applicable, for example, in employing a user's social network in providing that user with results to searches for individuals, businesses, content (e.g., pictures, music, software, and/or the like), and/or the like. Further, systems and methods whereby, for example, information regarding individuals having social connection to individuals, businesses, and/or the like identified via such search may be available.

Abstract: A wireless proximity network is extended to provide peer-to peer communication among ad hoc networks. A mobile device (peer) coupled to an access point serves an adhoc network via a short-range communication link. The peer executes a Bluetooth protocol stack. Each peer has a routing table about all the peers in the adhoc network. A peer to peer software layer (P2P) runs on top of the Bluetooth protocol stack and beneath a multi-user application layer. The P2P software handles application deployment, peer management and communications for applications and provides information about existing peers on the adhoc network; routes messages between peers within an ad hoc network and from one peer to another in different adhoc networks. The access point is connected to a wireless LAN via a wireless router. The access point has an IP-BT address conversion table and communicates with other access points via wireless routers using TCP/IP protocols.

Abstract: Systems and methods employable, for example, in performing various operations in a network environment (e.g., a peer-to-peer environment). Such operations can include, for example, searching for downloadable entities, conveying information regarding available entities, conveying information regarding nodes, handling node registration, handling node deregistration, handling node passivation, handling node depassivation, performing reclustering, and/or the like.

Abstract: Systems and methods employable, for example, in performing various operations in a network environment (e.g., a peer-to-peer environment). Such operations can include, for example, searching for downloadable entities, conveying information regarding available entities, conveying information regarding nodes, handling node registration, handling node deregistration, handling node deactivation, handling node activation, performing reclustering, and/or the like.