Abstract: A location-aware task automation service is configured to dynamically monitor locations and context associated with a group of users of mobile devices to identify a commonly shared goal of the group and perform automated actions to assist the group in achieving the goal. For example, the common group goal could include being at the same location at the same time to attend an event such as a show or party. By tracking the location of each member of the group, and monitoring applicable context such as traffic conditions, the service can predict when one or more of the group members is likely to be late to the event, and then perform automated tasks to assist the members in dealing with the delay such as identifying a faster route to the location. The service can also let other group members know of the delay by sending out notifications to their devices.

Abstract: A computing device supports multiple different network interfaces providing respective connections to, for example WiFi, short-range and near field communication (NFC), and mobile data (e.g., cellular) networks, over which bandwidth-consuming applications may operate. An operating system (OS) instantiated on the computing device supports a connection manager configured to dynamically and concurrently optimize utilization of the available network connections across the executing applications to provide seamless user experiences on the device while meeting various user objectives. These objectives may include, for example, maximizing device battery life, minimizing costs associated with use of mobile data plans and other metered network connections, minimizing glitches, data buffering, and disruptions (e.g., when streaming multimedia, downloading files, and engaging in real-time communications like voice and video calls), and transparency of operation as the diverse network connections are utilized.

Abstract: A computing device supports multiple different network interfaces providing respective connections to, for example WiFi, short-range and near field communication (NFC), and mobile data (e.g., cellular) networks, over which bandwidth-consuming applications may operate. An operating system (OS) instantiated on the computing device supports a connection manager configured to dynamically and concurrently optimize utilization of the available network connections across the executing applications to provide seamless user experiences on the device while meeting various user objectives. These objectives may include, for example, maximizing device battery life, minimizing costs associated with use of mobile data plans and other metered network connections, minimizing glitches, data buffering, and disruptions (e.g., when streaming multimedia, downloading files, and engaging in real-time communications like voice and video calls), and transparency of operation as the diverse network connections are utilized.

Abstract: A digital assistant supported on a local device and/or a remote digital assistant service is disclosed herein. The digital assistant can monitor context data associated with the user, such as prior usage patterns on the device and location data. Using the context data, the digital assistant identifies and selects relevant icons for the user and prominently displays those icons on the user's display for easy and seamless access. The digital assistant may identify icons based on intelligent predictions about the user. Furthermore, the digital assistant may adjust system resources and capabilities based on the context. For example, if the device is low on battery charge then the digital assistant can suppress or filter certain, less-important applications and functions, and identify and display relevant or critical icons to the user. This way the device saves resources and still provides a tailored user experience.

Abstract: A location-aware task automation service is configured to dynamically monitor locations and context associated with a group of users of mobile devices to identify a commonly shared goal of the group and perform automated actions to assist the group in achieving the goal. For example, the common group goal could include being at the same location at the same time to attend an event such as a show or party. By tracking the location of each member of the group, and monitoring applicable context such as traffic conditions, the service can predict when one or more of the group members is likely to be late to the event, and then perform automated tasks to assist the members in dealing with the delay such as identifying a faster route to the location. The service can also let other group members know of the delay by sending out notifications to their devices.