Abstract: A back touch sensor positioned on a back surface of a device accepts user input in the form of touches. The touches on the back touch sensor map keys on a virtual keyboard, a pointer input, and so forth. Touches on a touch sensor positioned on a front surface provide additional input while also allowing the user to grasp and hold the device.

Abstract: Electronic devices can identify other nearby devices, and determine the relative positions of those devices, using a combination of techniques. Various devices are able to project one or more instances of a unique identifier, such as a barcode, which can be imaged by other devices. The devices also can communicate position and/or orientation information over a wireless sideband channel. By combining the information relating to the projected identifier with information collected over the sideband channel, devices can automatically determine the location of various devices and associate a user or device identity with those devices. A user of a device then can view relative locations of those devices on a display element, including information about the user of the device. Further, the relative position determinations can enable a user to perform certain functions with respect to another device based at least in part upon the position and/or identity of that device.

Abstract: A portable or mobile computing device, such as a smart phone or portable media player, can be used to control one or more electronic devices over an appropriate wireless channel. In one example, a user can utilize a smart phone as a mouse for a notebook computer or Internet-capable television. The user can move the portable device on a surface and press appropriate selectable elements on the portable device, as if the user is using a wireless mouse. The portable device can send the commands over the wireless channel to the electronic device, which can provide inputs and/or control signals to the electronic device. In some embodiments, the user can take advantage of the processing capability of the portable device to work directly with elements such as a wireless keyboard and wireless monitor, without the need for a notebook or other such computing element therebetween.

Abstract: An unlock procedure for an electronic device can be based at least in part upon a determined gaze direction or viewing location of a user. During a device unlock process, the user can be directed to follow an element or path on a display element with the user's eyes. Image information captured of the user during this process can be used to correlate the user's eye position in the image with the corresponding gaze location on the device, in order to calibrate the gaze tracking in a way that is substantially transparent to the user. Further, certain devices can also utilize captured image information during the unlock process to authenticate the user using a process such as iris recognition or retinal scanning. Such an approach enables secure access to the device without requiring the user to manually enter identifying information, and re-authentication can be performed without distracting the user.

Abstract: Techniques for implementing incremental page transitions on an electronic paper display of an electronic device are described herein. In some instances, an electronic-paper display controller that allows for per-pixel or multiple-pixel-block updating enables the incremental page transitions.

Abstract: An electronic device can utilize image capture technology to detect the presence and location of another device. Using this information, the electronic device can display, in a user interface, a graphical element representing a detected device, along with identity information and the location of the detected device relative to the electronic device. The location of each detected device relative to the electronic device can be tracked and thus the graphical element can be updated in the user interface.

Abstract: A stylus comprising a magnetic field source when combined with a touch sensor provides for several input modes for an electronic device. Magnetometers in the electronic device may detect the presence, location, orientation, and angle of the magnet and thus the stylus. Presence of the magnetic field in conjunction with touches on the force sensitive touch sensor provides additional comparisons to distinguish whether a touch is from a human hand, a particular portion of a stylus, or other object.

Abstract: An electronic device including two or more display elements can provide enhanced functionality with improved rates of power consumption. A user can cause information that does not change rapidly to be provided or moved to a relatively static display element, such as an electronic ink display, which enables that information to be displayed for a period of time with little additional power consumption. Similarly, content (e.g., video) that changes rapidly can be displayed on a relatively dynamic display element, such as and LCD or OLED display. Each display can be touch sensitive, such that a user can move content between the displays by pressing on, or making a motion in contact with, at least one of the displays. Various modes can be activated which cause certain types of content to be displayed on the dynamic and/or static display element.