Abstract: In one embodiment, a circuit includes an audio jack that receives a connector of an external transducer. The circuit also includes an amplifier coupled to the audio jack and configured to amplify a signal associated with the external transducer. The circuit further includes a plurality of connection lines coupled to the amplifier and configured to relay the signal between the amplifier and a plurality of audio jacks of independent computing devices. The circuit additionally includes one or more resistors that provide resistance to each of the connection lines. A resistance of a particular one of the connection lines is sufficient to cause the computing device coupled to the particular connection line to recognize the particular connection line as an external transducer.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a circuit includes an audio jack that receives a connector of an external transducer. The circuit also includes an amplifier coupled to the audio jack and configured to amplify a signal associated with the external transducer. The circuit further includes a plurality of connection lines coupled to the amplifier and configured to relay the signal between the amplifier and a plurality of audio jacks of independent computing devices. The circuit additionally includes one or more resistors that provide resistance to each of the connection lines. A resistance of a particular one of the connection lines is sufficient to cause the computing device coupled to the particular connection line to recognize the particular connection line as an external transducer.

Abstract: A system and method are directed towards enabling a user to access a client service such as a client game program that interacts with an online service such as a multiplayer game. A client probe detects execution of the client service on a first client device, and sends an instant message with address information to a second client device. A messaging service on the second client device, displays a presence of the first client and provides a selectable button to initiate the client service. If not already installed, the messaging service requests the client service from a remote online service such as a portal that may be independent from the online game service. The remote online service may provide options to freely try, rent, or buy the client service. The second client device downloads the client service and uses the address to connect to the same online multiplayer game.

Abstract: A system and method are directed towards enabling a user to access a client service such as a client game program that interacts with an online service such as a multiplayer game. A client probe detects execution of the client service on a first client device, and sends an instant message with address information to a second client device. A messaging service on the second client device, displays a presence of the first client and provides a selectable button to initiate the client service. If not already installed, the messaging service requests the client service from a remote online service such as a portal that may be independent from the online game service. The remote online service may provide options to freely try, rent, or buy the client service. The second client device downloads the client service and uses the address to connect to the same online multiplayer game.

Abstract: A system and method are directed towards enabling a user to access a client service such as a client game program that interacts with an online service such as a multiplayer game. A client probe detects execution of the client service on a first client device, and sends an instant message with address information to a second client device. A messaging service on the second client device, displays a presence of the first client and provides a selectable button to initiate the client service. If not already installed, the messaging service requests the client service from a remote online service such as a portal that may be independent from the online game service. The remote online service may provide options to freely try, rent, or buy the client service. The second client device downloads the client service and uses the address to connect to the same online multiplayer game.

Abstract: A system and method are directed towards enabling a user to access a client service such as a client game program that interacts with an online service such as a multiplayer game. A client probe detects execution of the client service on a first client device, and sends an instant message with address information to a second client device. A messaging service on the second client device, displays a presence of the first client and provides a selectable button to initiate the client service. If not already installed, the messaging service requests the client service from a remote online service such as a portal that may be independent from the online game service. The remote online service may provide options to freely try, rent, or buy the client service. The second client device downloads the client service and uses the address to connect to the same online multiplayer game.