Abstract: One or more contact controls associated with one or more corresponding contacts are displayed by a computing system at a display device. The contact controls can be hosted by any number of third party applications. The contact controls may include static and/or animated images associated with the contact to reflect a desired behavior, emotion, status or action. The contact controls are linked to contact information, such that a selection of the contact controls enables a user to access the contact information and data sources associated with the contact. A communicative action can also be initiated with the contact control by dragging and dropping the contact control onto an icon or object associated with the communication application.

Abstract: An interface for enabling different contact information for a plurality of different contacts to be aggregated from numerous data stores into a single contact management system includes a window frame for displaying the contact information in a variety of rich views that graphically illustrate patterns existent within the contact information. Some of the available views include hierarchical, organizational, chronological, social, geographical and operational views of the contact information. The interface also enables a user to search through the aggregate contact information by search term and by filter. The interface also includes another window frame for displaying exploded, detailed, or additional information about selected directories and contacts.

Abstract: One or more contact controls associated with one or more corresponding contacts are displayed by a computing system at a display device. The contact controls can be hosted by any number of third party applications. The contact controls may include static and/or animated images associated with the contact to reflect a desired behavior, emotion, status or action. The contact controls are linked to contact information, such that a selection of the contact controls enables a user to access the contact information and data sources associated with the contact. A communicative action can also be initiated with the contact control by dragging and dropping the contact control onto an icon or object associated with the communication application.

Abstract: An interface for enabling different contact information for a plurality of different contacts to be aggregated from numerous data stores into a single contact management system includes a window frame for displaying the contact information in a variety of rich views that graphically illustrate patterns existent within the contact information. Some of the available views include hierarchical, organizational, chronological, social, geographical and operational views of the contact information. The interface also enables a user to search through the aggregate contact information by search term and by filter. The interface also includes another window frame for displaying exploded, detailed, or additional information about selected directories and contacts.