Abstract: Methods of dynamic control of an electronic message system are described. In an embodiment, a system which is separate from a messaging service within the electronic message system generates an event signal which relates to an event external to the messaging service. The event signal is received by the messaging service and this triggers a dynamic update in one or more electronic messages which are identified based on the event signal received. For example, the dynamic update may result in the message content being displayed in a different manner or the message being delivered or deleted. Examples of external events include a community response to a particular message, based on a subset of information about the message which has been shared, the location of one or more users and a change in membership of a group.

Abstract: Methods of dynamic control of an electronic message system are described. In an embodiment, a system which is separate from a messaging service within the electronic message system generates an event signal which relates to an event external to the messaging service. The event signal is received by the messaging service and this triggers a dynamic update in one or more electronic messages which are identified based on the event signal received. For example, the dynamic update may result in the message content being displayed in a different manner or the message being delivered or deleted. Examples of external events include a community response to a particular message, based on a subset of information about the message which has been shared, the location of one or more users and a change in membership of a group.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to communication devices which monitor an audio environment at a remote location and convey to a user a representation of that audio environment. The “representation” may be an abstraction of the audio environment at the remote location or may be a measure of decibels or some other quality or parameter of the audio environment. In some embodiments, the communication devices are two-way devices which allow users at remote locations to share an audio environment. In some embodiments, the communication devices are one way devices. In some embodiments, the communication devices may have the form of a window and be arranged to present sound in a manner that mimics sound received through a window. In such embodiments, the more open the window is, the more sound is relayed by the communication device.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to sound playback and editing apparatus. The editing apparatus uses user interaction to allow the user to instinctively modify recorded sound. This can be achieved by converting a quality of the user's physical interactions with the editing apparatus into instructions for processing the sound. For example, in one embodiment the user can mix sound files by ‘mixing’, i.e. shaking, physical representations of those sound files (such as the recording medium on which the files are stored) alone or together.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to monitoring and notification apparatus capable of monitoring events at various locations. The apparatus includes a sound receiving unit which receives audio content from various locations. A user can select which of the location is monitored at any one time. In one embodiment, this selection is made depending on the orientation of the sound receiving unit.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to communication devices which monitor an audio environment at a remote location and convey to a user a representation of that audio environment. The “representation” may be an abstraction of the audio environment at the remote location or may be a measure of decibels or some other quality or parameter of the audio environment. In some embodiments, the communication devices are two-way devices which allow users at remote locations to share an audio environment. In some embodiments, the communication devices are one way devices. In some embodiments, the communication devices may have the form of a window and be arranged to present sound in a manner that mimics sound received through a window. In such embodiments, the more open the window is, the more sound is relayed by the communication device.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to presenting sound. In some embodiments, this is a visual presentation. One embodiment provides a presentation of sound built over time, which may be displayed in layers similar to strata in a sedimentary rock formation. In another embodiment, the visual presentation is an animated presentation which reflects a characteristic, for example the volume, of the sound at that instant.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to monitoring and notification apparatus capable of monitoring events at various locations. The apparatus includes a sound receiving unit which receives audio content from various locations. A user can select which of the location is monitored at any one time. In one embodiment, this selection is made depending on the orientation of the sound receiving unit.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to sound playback and editing apparatus. The editing apparatus uses user interaction to allow the user to instinctively modify recorded sound. This can be achieved by converting a quality of the user's physical interactions with the editing apparatus into instructions for processing the sound. For example, in one embodiment the user can mix sound files by ‘mixing’, i.e. shaking, physical representations of those sound files (such as the recording medium on which the files are stored) alone or together.