Abstract: A method for facilitating sharing of widget programs among a plurality of personal electronic devices is disclosed. The method includes establishing a database of the widget programs capable of being executed by the plurality of personal electronic devices. The method further includes receiving, over a communication network, a widget forwarding request from at least one of the plurality of personal electronic devices. An instance of a selected one of the widget programs is then transmitted, in response to the widget forwarding request, to another of the plurality of personal electronic devices.

Abstract: A method for automatically updating software executed by an electronic device is disclosed herein. The method includes receiving, at the electronic device, an update indication from a server that updated software is available for the electronic device. The method further includes modifying, in response to the update indication, a boot state of the electronic device and initiating operation of the electronic device in an update mode. The updated software is received, at the electronic device, during operation in the update mode. The method further includes initiating, upon determining the updated software has been correctly received, operation of the electronic device in a normal mode.

Abstract: A method for automatically updating software executed by an electronic device is disclosed herein. The method includes receiving, at the electronic device, an update indication from a server that updated software is available for the electronic device. The method further includes modifying, in response to the update indication, a boot state of the electronic device and initiating operation of the electronic device in an update mode. The updated software is received, at the electronic device, during operation in the update mode. The method further includes initiating, upon determining the updated software has been correctly received, operation of the electronic device in a normal mode.

Abstract: A data transfer system having a serially distributed chain of input data ports and a serially distributed chain of output data ports is monitored to count the number of ports in each chain and to determine whether there has been a change in the configuration of the system by comparing the presently obtained counts with counts stored from previous monitoring. To monitor the system, successive data frames are serially shifted bit-by-bit from a transmitter over an output data line connecting the output data ports. Each frame contains a single unique bit in a data bit position that changes progressively from one frame to the next in relation to the position of the data ports. Upon the conclusion of each frame shift, a return data transfer circuit transfers data from the output data line to the input data line.