Abstract: A main computing device integrated into a vehicle may perform various aspects of the techniques described in this disclosure. The main computing device comprises a memory and a processor. The memory may store a first and second instance of a runtime environment. The processor may execute a first container that enables execution of a first instance of the runtime environment, and execute a second container that enables execution of a second instance of the runtime environment. The first instance of the runtime environment may detect a supporting computing device, transfer, responsive to detecting the supporting computing device, the second container to the supporting computing device, and interface with the second instance of the runtime environment to jointly present the user interface by which the operator of the vehicle controls the functionality of the vehicle.

Abstract: A main computing device integrated into a vehicle may perform various aspects of the techniques described in this disclosure. The main computing device comprises a memory and a processor. The memory may store a first and second instance of a runtime environment. The processor may execute a first container that enables execution of a first instance of the runtime environment, and execute a second container that enables execution of a second instance of the runtime environment. The first instance of the runtime environment may detect a supporting computing device, transfer, responsive to detecting the supporting computing device, the second container to the supporting computing device, and interface with the second instance of the runtime environment to jointly present the user interface by which the operator of the vehicle controls the functionality of the vehicle.

Abstract: A main computing device integrated into a vehicle may perform various aspects of the techniques described in this disclosure. The main computing device comprises a memory and a processor. The memory may store a first and second instance of a runtime environment. The processor may execute a first container that enables execution of a first instance of the runtime environment, and execute a second container that enables execution of a second instance of the runtime environment. The first instance of the runtime environment may detect a supporting computing device, transfer, responsive to detecting the supporting computing device, the second container to the supporting computing device, and interface with the second instance of the runtime environment to jointly present the user interface by which the operator of the vehicle controls the functionality of the vehicle.

Abstract: An example method includes identifying, by a mobile computing device, short-range wireless communication signals that are associated with a vehicle computing system; determining, by the mobile computing device, based on the short-range wireless communication signals, that the mobile computing device is proximate to the vehicle computing system; identifying, by the mobile computing device, an electrical connection between the mobile computing device and the vehicle, wherein the electrical connection is provided by an electrical cable that connects a port of the mobile computing device to a port of the vehicle; determining, by the mobile computing device, that the electrical connection is a charge-only connection, wherein the charge-only connection enables an electrical charging or discharging of the mobile computing device but prohibits any data transfer between the mobile computing device and the vehicle computing system; and outputting, by the mobile computing device, a notification indicative of the charge-

Abstract: An example method includes identifying, by a mobile computing device, short-range wireless communication signals that are associated with a vehicle computing system; determining, by the mobile computing device, based on the short-range wireless communication signals, that the mobile computing device is proximate to the vehicle computing system; identifying, by the mobile computing device, an electrical connection between the mobile computing device and the vehicle, wherein the electrical connection is provided by an electrical cable that connects a port of the mobile computing device to a port of the vehicle; determining, by the mobile computing device, that the electrical connection is a charge-only connection, wherein the charge-only connection enables an electrical charging or discharging of the mobile computing device but prohibits any data transfer between the mobile computing device and the vehicle computing system; and outputting, by the mobile computing device, a notification indicative of the charge-

Abstract: A main computing device integrated into a vehicle may perform various aspects of the techniques described in this disclosure. The main computing device comprises a memory and a processor. The memory may store a first and second instance of a runtime environment. The processor may execute a first container that enables execution of a first instance of the runtime environment, and execute a second container that enables execution of a second instance of the runtime environment. The first instance of the runtime environment may detect a supporting computing device, transfer, responsive to detecting the supporting computing device, the second container to the supporting computing device, and interface with the second instance of the runtime environment to jointly present the user interface by which the operator of the vehicle controls the functionality of the vehicle.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving, from a remote communication device and at a server system, information that indicates a unique identifier for a physical item that corresponds to media content, the identifier differing from identifiers for other physical items that correspond to the same content; associating the received information with an account of a first user of a hosted internet service; and subsequently providing, by the hosted internet service, content that matches the content that corresponds to the physical item, based on a determination that the received information authorizes the first user to obtain the content provided by the hosted internet service.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving, from a remote communication device and at a server system, information that indicates a unique identifier for a physical item that corresponds to media content, the identifier differing from identifiers for other physical items that correspond to the same content; associating the received information with an account of a first user of a hosted internet service; and subsequently providing, by the hosted internet service, content that matches the content that corresponds to the physical item, based on a determination that the received information authorizes the first user to obtain the content provided by the hosted internet service.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving, from a remote communication device and at a server system, information that indicates a unique identifier for a physical item that corresponds to media content, the identifier differing from identifiers for other physical items that correspond to the same content; associating the received information with an account of a first user of a hosted internet service; and subsequently providing, by the hosted internet service, content that matches the content that corresponds to the physical item, based on a determination that the received information authorizes the first user to obtain the content provided by the hosted internet service.

Abstract: Content stored on a server may be selected using a user device and enabled on a central device. The identity of the central device may be authenticated without transmitting user credentials corresponding to the user, user device, user account, etc. A central device identifier can be sent to the server via the user device. An encrypted version of the central device identifier may be returned to the user device and to the central device. The central device can send the encrypted and unencrypted version of the identifier to the server, and the server can transmit the desired content to the remote device based on a comparison of the encrypted and unencrypted identifier.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving, from a remote communication device and at a server system, information that indicates a unique identifier for a physical item that corresponds to media content, the identifier differing from identifiers for other physical items that correspond to the same content; associating the received information with an account of a first user of a hosted internet service; and subsequently providing, by the hosted internet service, content that matches the content that corresponds to the physical item, based on a determination that the received information authorizes the first user to obtain the content provided by the hosted internet service.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving, from a remote communication device and at a server system, information that indicates a unique identifier for a physical item that corresponds to media content, the identifier differing from identifiers for other physical items that correspond to the same content; associating the received information with an account of a first user of a hosted internet service; and subsequently providing, by the hosted internet service, content that matches the content that corresponds to the physical item, based on a determination that the received information authorizes the first user to obtain the content provided by the hosted internet service.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the volume output of speakers comprising outputting a varying volume control signal in response to movement of a volume control element. In response to the volume control signal, increasing a volume level of a speaker in a linear correlation with the movement of the volume control element as the volume control element is moved between a first position and a second position. In response to the volume control element moving beyond the second position, increasing the volume level of the speaker to increase asymptotically as the volume control element is moved beyond the second position. Additionally, a visual indicator, such as LED lights, provides an interesting and informative display as the volume level is changed.

Abstract: Content stored on a server may be selected using a user device and enabled on a central device. The identity of the central device may be authenticated without transmitting user credentials corresponding to the user, user device, user account, etc. A central device identifier can be sent to the server via the user device. An encrypted version of the central device identifier may be returned to the user device and to the central device. The central device can send the encrypted and unencrypted version of the identifier to the server, and the server can transmit the desired content to the remote device based on a comparison of the encrypted and unencrypted identifier.

Abstract: Content stored on a server may be selected using a user device and enabled on a central device. The identity of the central device may be authenticated without transmitting user credentials corresponding to the user, user device, user account, etc. A central device identifier can be sent to the server via the user device. An encrypted version of the central device identifier may be returned to the user device and to the central device. The central device can send the encrypted and unencrypted version of the identifier to the server, and the server can transmit the desired content to the remote device based on a comparison of the encrypted and unencrypted identifier.

Abstract: Content stored on a server may be selected using a user device and enabled on a central device. The identity of the central device may be authenticated without transmitting user credentials corresponding to the user, user device, user account, etc. A central device identifier can be sent to the server via the user device. An encrypted version of the central device identifier may be returned to the user device and to the central device. The central device can send the encrypted and unencrypted version of the identifier to the server, and the server can transmit the desired content to the remote device based on a comparison of the encrypted and unencrypted identifier.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving, from a remote communication device and at a server system, information that indicates a unique identifier for a physical item that corresponds to media content, the identifier differing from identifiers for other physical items that correspond to the same content; associating the received information with an account of a first user of a hosted internet service; and subsequently providing, by the hosted internet service, content that matches the content that corresponds to the physical item, based on a determination that the received information authorizes the first user to obtain the content provided by the hosted internet service.

Abstract: A method and system for location determination of a multi-mode device using a plurality of GPS fixation processes, each fixation process using a different mode (e.g. Cell-ID, MS-Assist, and MS-based) of the device is provided. The invention relates to methods for quickly obtaining and displaying geographic location of a mobile device on its display. These methods can be performed by applying successive fixation steps as outline herein.

Abstract: In part, the invention relates to a method for generating location data using a wireless mobile device, the wireless mobile device adapted to communicate with a plurality of location services, each service associated with one of a plurality of networks. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: selecting a first location service from the plurality of location services; transmitting a first request for location data to the first location service; if the first request fails, selecting a second location service from the plurality of location services; and receiving location data from one of the first and the second location services.

Abstract: A method of accessing and updating an electronic phonebook over electronic communications networks such as a telephone and computer networks is described. The creation of a voice portal is supported by the invention. Embodiments of the invention use telephone identifying information such as the calling party's number to identify, or create, user profiles for customization. The user profile can include personalized phonebook entries that include names and telephone numbers of relevance to the user. Additionally, the voice portal can connect the user to numbers contained in the personalized phonebook in response to spoken commands. The profile can also be updated with additional phonebook entries over the interne using a web browser.