Abstract: A computing device implemented method includes recording, in response to an initial user activation event, a first path of a first portion of a direction-specific symbolic swipe gesture. In response to a pause in the direction-specific symbolic swipe gesture, a selected number of possible symbolic gestures are displayed based on the recorded first path that reveal system commands that map to the symbolic gestures. A second path of a second portion of the direction-specific symbolic swipe gesture is recorded. In response to the recorded first and second paths of the direction-specific symbolic swipe gesture and a trigger, a first system command is accessed that maps to the first direction-specific gesture.

Abstract: Hierarchical structures are visualized and navigated using an orbital model. Sibling nodes are orbitally displayed in a generally circular arrangement along an orbital path. Choosing one of the orbitally displayed nodes opens it, moving down in the hierarchy. Nodes which were not chosen are undisplayed, and child node(s) of the chosen node are orbitally displayed. Node movements may be animated. A history displays recently chosen nodes. Choosing a parent node of the orbiting nodes undisplays the child nodes, and the parent node and its siblings are orbitally displayed, thereby moving up in the hierarchy. A user may select nodes from different parts of the hierarchy by moving them into a selection tray. Selected nodes can then be subjected to a specified batch operation. Controls are available for sorting nodes and/or for altering node appearance in the display.

Abstract: A mobile device and method for rendering graphical objects and dynamic effects associated therewith to a display of the mobile device are described. The mobile device includes a position and rotation tracking module, a graphics rendering module, and a display. The position and rotation tracking module generates data indicative of a change in position and/or rotation of the mobile device. The graphics rendering module processes the data to determine a spatial relationship between a graphical object to be rendered to the display and a virtual source. The graphics rendering module then renders the graphical object and at least one dynamic effect in association therewith to the display. The graphics rendering module renders the dynamic effect in a manner that is based at least in part on the determined spatial relationship between the graphical object and the virtual source.

Abstract: Hierarchical structures are visualized and navigated using an orbital model. Sibling nodes are orbitally displayed in a generally circular arrangement along an orbital path. Choosing one of the orbitally displayed nodes opens it, moving down in the hierarchy. Nodes which were not chosen are undisplayed, and child node(s) of the chosen node are orbitally displayed. Node movements may be animated. A history displays recently chosen nodes. Choosing a parent node of the orbiting nodes undisplays the child nodes, and the parent node and its siblings are orbitally displayed, thereby moving up in the hierarchy. A user may select nodes from different parts of the hierarchy by moving them into a selection tray. Selected nodes can then be subjected to a specified batch operation. Controls are available for sorting nodes and/or for altering node appearance in the display.