Abstract: A first task and a second task executable by a mobile computing device are associated with a first predefined symbol and a second predefined symbol, respectively. The first task and the second task are different types of tasks executable by the mobile computing device after the mobile computing device has been unlocked. Through a touch-sensitive display of the mobile computing device, a first gesture input from a user is detected while the mobile computing device is locked. The first gesture input represents the first predefined symbol. In response to the detecting the first gesture input, the first task is executed. Through the touch-sensitive display of the mobile computing device, a second gesture input from the user is detected while the mobile computing device is locked. The second gesture input represents the second predefined symbol. In response to the detecting the second gesture input, the second task is executed.

Abstract: A first task and a second task executable by a mobile computing device are associated with a first predefined symbol and a second predefined symbol, respectively. The first task and the second task are different types of tasks executable by the mobile computing device after the mobile computing device has been unlocked. Through a touch-sensitive display of the mobile computing device, a first gesture input from a user is detected while the mobile computing device is locked. The first gesture input represents the first predefined symbol. In response to the detecting the first gesture input, the first task is executed. Through the touch-sensitive display of the mobile computing device, a second gesture input from the user is detected while the mobile computing device is locked. The second gesture input represents the second predefined symbol. In response to the detecting the second gesture input, the second task is executed.

Abstract: A request is received from a user of the mobile computing device. The request specifies that the mobile computing device should be set in a mute mode or in a vibrate mode when the mobile computing device is at a predetermined location. Thereafter, an arrival of the mobile computing at the predetermined location is determined. In response to the detecting the arrival, an audio output volume setting of the mobile computing device is recorded. In response to the detecting the arrival and after the recording, the mobile computing device is set in the mute mode or the vibrate mode. Thereafter, a departure of the mobile computing device from the predetermined location is detected. In response to the detecting the departure, the mobile computing device is restored to the recorded audio output volume setting.

Abstract: A media program is displayed on a touch-sensitive screen of an electronic device. On the touch-sensitive screen, a scroll bar and an indicator are displayed. The indicator is configured to be moved along the scroll bar in a first direction or a second direction. A movement of the indicator in the first direction along the scroll bar causes the media program to be navigated forward in time, and a movement of the indicator in the second direction along the scroll bar causes the media program to be navigated backward in time. The indicator is moved along the scroll bar in one of the first and second directions in response to a user engagement of the touch-sensitive screen. The moving of the indicator comprises snapping the indicator to a predefined location on the scroll bar.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a method of improving one-handed operation of a mobile computing device. A first visual content is displayed on a screen of the mobile computing device. The first visual content occupies a substantial entirety of a viewable area of the screen. While the first visual content is being displayed, an action performed by a user to the mobile computing device is detected. The first visual content is scaled down in response to the detected action and displayed on the screen. The scaled-down first visual content occupies a fraction of the viewable area of the screen. A user interaction with the scaled-down first visual content is then detected. In response to the user interaction, a second visual content is displayed on the screen. The second visual content is different from the first visual content and occupies a substantial entirety of the viewable area of the screen.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a method of improving one-handed operation of a mobile computing device. A first visual content is displayed on a screen of the mobile computing device. The first visual content occupies a substantial entirety of a viewable area of the screen. While the first visual content is being displayed, an action performed by a user to the mobile computing device is detected. The first visual content is scaled down in response to the detected action and displayed on the screen. The scaled-down first visual content occupies a fraction of the viewable area of the screen. A user interaction with the scaled-down first visual content is then detected. In response to the user interaction, a second visual content is displayed on the screen. The second visual content is different from the first visual content and occupies a substantial entirety of the viewable area of the screen.

Abstract: A media program is displayed on a touch-sensitive screen of an electronic device. On the touch-sensitive screen, a scroll bar and an indicator are displayed. The indicator is configured to be moved along the scroll bar in a first direction or a second direction. A movement of the indicator in the first direction along the scroll bar causes the media program to be navigated forward in time, and a movement of the indicator in the second direction along the scroll bar causes the media program to be navigated backward in time. The indicator is moved along the scroll bar in one of the first and second directions in response to a user engagement of the touch-sensitive screen. The moving of the indicator comprises snapping the indicator to a predefined location on the scroll bar.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a method of managing media playback. The method includes displaying a media program on a touch screen of an electronic device. The method includes detecting, via the touch screen, an input from a user indicating that the user wishes to fast forward or rewind the media program. The method includes triggering, in response to the detected input from the user, an appearance of a scroll bar including an indicator on the touch screen. The indicator is configured to be moved along the scroll bar. A length of the scroll bar represents a predefined amount of time that is a fraction of a total duration of the media program. A position of the indicator relative to the scroll bar corresponds to a time location of the media program.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a method of configuring a visual display. The method includes: receiving a first request to display a visual object; displaying the visual object on a portable electronic device; detecting whether a landscape orientation or a portrait orientation is used during the displaying of the visual object in response to the first request; receiving a second request to display the visual object, the second request occurring after the first request; performing, in response to the second request, one of the following actions based on the detecting: if the landscape orientation is used during the displaying of the visual object in response to the first request, displaying the visual object in the landscape orientation by default; and if the portrait orientation is used during the displaying of the visual object in response to the first request, displaying the visual object in the portrait orientation by default.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a method of managing media playback. The method includes displaying a media program on a touch screen of an electronic device. The method includes detecting, via the touch screen, an input from a user indicating that the user wishes to fast forward or rewind the media program. The method includes triggering, in response to the detected input from the user, an appearance of a scroll bar including an indicator on the touch screen. The indicator is configured to be moved along the scroll bar. A length of the scroll bar represents a predefined amount of time that is a fraction of a total duration of the media program. A position of the indicator relative to the scroll bar corresponds to a time location of the media program.