Abstract: An Application (“App”) Checker identifies and isolates incompatible applications on a mobile device during a software platform update. After receiving a target platform version number from an Update Server, the App Checker generates a list of installed applications on the mobile device. Next, the App Checker sends a request to an App Store Server or Update Server for an application catalog of applications compatible with the target platform version. Upon receiving the application catalog indicating compatibility status of applications relative to the target platform version, the App Checker iteratively compares the installed application list with the application catalog to identify whether or not each installed application is compatible with the target platform. The App Checker then populates an application quarantine or removal database to identify each incompatible application to isolate incompatible applications, and quarantines or removes the incompatible applications.

Abstract: A mobile device operates in a standard mode of operation, or operates in a visually impaired (VI) mode of operation designed for visually impaired users and in which a display screen of the mobile device is turned off by default. The display screen may thus remain turned off in the VI mode even when conditions under which the display screen is turned on in the standard mode are satisfied. The display screen may further remain turned off in the VI mode even when conditions under which a touch-screen input interface of the mobile device is turned on in either of the standard and VI modes. The mobile device may be configured to automatically transition from the VI mode to the standard mode in response to detecting a gaze directed towards the display screen.

Abstract: An Application (“App”) Checker identifies and isolates incompatible applications on a mobile device during a software platform update. After receiving a target platform version number from an Update Server, the App Checker generates a list of installed applications on the mobile device. Next, the App Checker sends a request to an App Store Server or Update Server for an application catalog of applications compatible with the target platform version. Upon receiving the application catalog indicating compatibility status of applications relative to the target platform version, the App Checker iteratively compares the installed application list with the application catalog to identify whether or not each installed application is compatible with the target platform. The App Checker then populates an application quarantine or removal database to identify each incompatible application to isolate incompatible applications, and quarantines or removes the incompatible applications.

Abstract: A mobile device operates in a standard mode of operation, or operates in a visually impaired (VI) mode of operation designed for visually impaired users and in which a display screen of the mobile device is turned off by default. The display screen may thus remain turned off in the VI mode even when conditions under which the display screen is turned on in the standard mode are satisfied. The display screen may further remain turned off in the VI mode even when conditions under which a touch-screen input interface of the mobile device is turned on in either of the standard and VI modes. The mobile device may be configured to automatically transition from the VI mode to the standard mode in response to detecting a gaze directed towards the display screen.

Abstract: An approach is provided for faceted browsing of video assets. A metadata file is parsed to categorize and rank attributes corresponding to a video asset, wherein the ranked attributes are based on a criterion. A set-top box provides attribute browsing to determine selection of the video asset.

Abstract: Systems and methods according to preferred embodiments enable a subscriber to participate in fantasy league competitions with other subscribers of the service, and to view other broadcasts simultaneously with fantasy league data on one or more televisions. A service provider enables the creation of a fantasy league related to real activities. One or more teams are associated with the fantasy league and players are then assigned to each of the created teams. In one embodiment, the teams are configured via a television interface and a remote control. Fantasy league data is tracked for each team based on participation of the team's assigned players in the real activities. Television broadcasts are then displayed simultaneously with fantasy league data on the television, a service that is not possible or practical in conventional television systems.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) includes an icon stack comprising a plurality of icons in an area within the GUI, whereby the icons overlap. The GUI further includes at least one interstitial navigation box that is capable of displaying information about at least one item associated with one of the icons.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and computer program products for receiving recording or other commands are provided. In operation, a command is received during the display of a commercial for a media program, the media program and a date and time for the media program are identified, and the command is executed based on the date and time. The command may be to record the program or send a reminder to the display regarding the media program. A viewer is allowed to send the command during the commercial without requiring the user to go to a second screen, such as a recording screen, or to enter additional commands. The date and time of the media program may be identified through metadata associated with the commercial or through the review of an interactive programming guide.

Abstract: A map-based search application for map-based category navigation includes geographic data, category data, and categorized data comprising at least one item, wherein each item is associated with each of the geographic data and the category data. Accordingly, a user is enabled to search for categorized data that satisfies at least one condition related to the geographic data and at least one condition related to the category data. The invention further comprises a display for displaying a list of results from a search, wherein the list comprises the at least one item.

Abstract: A route may be created and provided to a client. A stopping point along the route is received, and a search is performed for at least one point of interest according to the stopping point. Further, a route is created and provided to a client, and at least one stopping point associated with the route is identified based on at least one of a distance along the route, an indication of a place on a map, a category search, and a key word search.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and computer program products for receiving recording or other commands are provided. In operation, a command is received during the display of a commercial for a media program, the media program and a date and time for the media program are identified, and the command is executed based on the date and time. The command may be to record the program or send a reminder to the display regarding the media program. A viewer is allowed to send the command during the commercial without requiring the user to go to a second screen, such as a recording screen, or to enter additional commands. The date and time of the media program may be identified through metadata associated with the commercial or through the review of an interactive programming guide.

Abstract: An approach is provided for faceted browsing of video assets. A metadata file is parsed to categorize and rank attributes corresponding to a video asset, wherein the ranked attributes are based on a criterion. A set-top box provides attribute browsing to determine selection of the video asset.